What occurs during beta-plus (positron) radioactive decay inside a proton-rich atomic nucleus?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. A proton converts into a neutron
- Step 1: Beta-plus decay converts a nuclear proton: p -> n + e^+ + nu_e. Step 2. Atomic number Z decreases by 1, mass number A remains constant, and a positron and neutrino carry away energy. Answer: A proton converts into a neutron. Why not the others: Neutron conversion to proton (n -> p + e^- + anti-nu_e) is beta-minus decay.
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