Question

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, emits which of the following particles?

• A. Neutron (n)
• B. Beta (β^-)
• C. Alpha (α)
• D. Gamma (γ)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Tritium (\( ^3_1\text{H} \)) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. When tritium undergoes decay, it emits beta particles (β^-), not gamma (γ) rays.

Let's explore the options to understand why the correct answer is beta (β^-) particles:

1. Neutron (n):

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom decays into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. Thus, the emission of neutrons is not typical of beta decay, which is the process tritium undergoes.

2. Beta (β^-):

Tritium decays by emitting a beta (β^-) particle, which is an electron. The reaction can be summarized as follows:

\( ^3_1\text{H} \rightarrow ^3_2\text{He} + \beta^- + \text{antineutrino} \)

As tritium beta decays, it transforms into helium-3 (\( ^3_2\text{He} \)) by emitting a beta particle and an antineutrino.

3. Alpha (α):

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (\(^4_2\text{He}\)), which occurs in heavier elements, not in light isotopes like tritium.

4. Gamma (γ):

Gamma decay accompanies other types of decay like alpha or beta decay. However, tritium decays by producing only beta particles.

Therefore, the correct answer is Beta (β^-).

Note: The provided "Correct Answer: Gamma (γ)" seems incorrect based on scientific understanding. The correct particle emitted in tritium decay is a beta particle.