Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply. In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron. In

Question

Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply.

In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron.

In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and an electron.

In beta decay, A neutron becomes a proton and a gamma ray.

Beta decay releases energy.

Beta decay releases a helium-4 nucleus.

GPT-5 mini · Answer

Correct choices: 1, 2, and 4.

- 1 is β+ (positron) decay: a proton → neutron + positron (+ neutrino).  
- 2 is β− decay: a neutron → proton + electron (+ antineutrino).  
- 4 is true: beta decays release energy.

Incorrect:
- 3 is wrong as stated: beta decay does not produce a gamma ray as the primary particle (gamma rays can be emitted secondarily if the daughter nucleus is left excited).  
- 5 is false: emission of a helium-4 nucleus is alpha decay, not beta decay.

Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply.

In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron.

In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and an electron.

In beta decay, A neutron becomes a proton and a gamma ray.

Beta decay releases energy.

Beta decay releases a helium-4 nucleus.

All Answers 1

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Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply. In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron. In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and an electron. In beta decay, A neutron becomes a proton and a gamma ray. Beta decay releases energy. Beta decay releases a helium-4 nucleus.

All Answers 1

Submit Your Answer

Which describe beta decay? Check all that apply.

In beta decay, a proton becomes a neutron and a positron.

In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and an electron.

In beta decay, A neutron becomes a proton and a gamma ray.

Beta decay releases energy.

Beta decay releases a helium-4 nucleus.