Question

During a β^- decay

• A. An atomic electron is ejected
• B. An electron which is already present within the nucleus is ejected
• C. A neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron
• D. A proton in the nucleus decays emitting an electron

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In \(\beta^-\) decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays into a proton, an electron (\(\beta^-\) particle), and an antineutrino. The electron is emitted from the nucleus, which results in the conversion of the neutron into a proton. The process can be written as: \[ n \rightarrow p + e^- + \overline{\nu}_e \] Thus, during \(\beta^-\) decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron, which is the characteristic feature of this type of radioactive decay.

The correct answer is (C) : A neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron.