Correct Answer - Option 4 : n → p + e
- + V
Concept:
Radioactive decay: When n/p ratio of an atomic nucleus is high enough to make it unstable, it decays.
Radioactive decay mainly emits α- particles, β- particles, and gamma rays.
β-decay:
- It is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron or vice versa inside the nucleus of the radioactive sample.
- Beta-decay occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.
β- decay:
- Electron is emitted by the nucleus and a neutron transforms into a proton.
- To maintain conservation of charge, the nucleus in the process also produces an electron and an antineutrino (v̅).
- v̅ is a neutral particle with a small mass.
- It can interact with matter very weakly.
n → p + e- + v̅
β+ decay:
-
Positron is emitted by the nucleus and a proton transforms into a neutron.
- A Neutrino’s behaviour is the same as the antineutrino’s.
- The nucleus experiences a loss of proton but gains a neutron.
p → n + e+ + v
Explanation:
n → p + e- + v̅
n → p + e+ + v
p + e- → n + v
- These equations represent the β- decay.
- For symmetry reasons, the particle emitted along with the electron from nuclei is called an antineutrino.
- The emission of a positron is accompanied by a neutrino and
n → p + e- + v
In this reaction, the neutrino is emitted along with electrons which is not possible.
Hence, n → p + e- + v reaction does not represent β-decay.
