Understanding Beta Decay

The video tutorial explains beta decay, a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in an atom's nucleus turns into a proton, emitting a fast-moving electron called a beta particle. The tutorial covers why atoms undergo beta decay, how to write nuclear equations for beta decay, and provides examples of solving beta decay problems. It also introduces positron decay, a related process.

What happens to a neutron during beta decay?

• It turns into an electron.

• It turns into a proton.

• It remains unchanged.

• It turns into a positron.

Why do atoms undergo beta decay?

• To emit gamma rays.

• To decrease their atomic number.

• To become more stable by adjusting the neutron-to-proton ratio.

• To increase their mass number.

In isotope notation, what does the lower number represent?

• Number of neutrons

• Atomic number

• Mass number

• Number of electrons

What is the result of beta decay for carbon-14?

• It remains carbon-14.

• It becomes boron-13.

• It becomes nitrogen-14.

• It becomes oxygen-16.

How is a beta particle represented in nuclear equations?

• As a neutron

• As a positron

• As an electron or beta symbol

• As a proton

What element does phosphorus-32 become after beta decay?

• Chlorine-32

• Silicon-32

• Sulfur-32

• Argon-32

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

• It decreases by one.

• It doubles.

• It remains the same.

• It increases by one.

Which element has an atomic number of 26?

• Copper

• Nickel

• Iron

• Cobalt

What is another name for beta minus decay?

• Alpha decay

• Gamma decay

• Positron decay

• Electron emission

What is the mass number change during beta decay?

• It remains the same.

• It doubles.

• It decreases by one.

• It increases by one.