Question

A nucleus decays to produce a nucleus with one additional proton. Which type of decay did the nucleus undergo? Responses beta-plus decay beta-plus decay - no response given beta-minus decay beta-minus decay - no response given gamma decay gamma decay - no response given alpha decay

Answer 1

The decay of a nucleus that produces a nucleus with one additional proton corresponds to **beta-plus decay** (also known as positron emission). In beta-plus decay, a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, which results in the emission of a positron (the antiparticle of an electron) and a neutrino. Consequently, the nucleus loses a proton and gains a neutron, but in terms of the overall nucleon count, it appears to move towards a nucleus with an additional proton.

Thus, the correct response is **beta-plus decay**.