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AssignmentMultiple Select

Balancing Nuclear Reactions

Question 3 • Foothill-B Period-Chemistry-26/27B

Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply.

Answer
A
In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron.
B
In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and an electron.
C
In beta decay, A neutron becomes a proton and a gamma ray.
D
Beta decay releases energy.
E
Beta decay releases a helium-4 nucleus.

Explanation

In beta-minus decay, a neutron changes into a proton and emits an electron (and an antineutrino), so B describes it. In beta-plus decay, a proton changes into a neutron and emits a positron (and a neutrino), so A describes it. Beta decay releases energy, making D correct; a gamma ray or a helium-4 nucleus is not the defining particle emitted in these beta-decay processes.

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