Question

question 2 of 10
during which type of radioactive decay does a nucleus gain a proton but keep the same atomic mass number?
a. gamma decay
b. beta decay (positron)
c. beta decay (electron)
d. alpha decay

Explanation:

In beta - decay (electron), a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The electron is emitted, the number of protons increases by 1, and the atomic mass number remains the same since the total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) is unchanged. In gamma decay, only high - energy photons are emitted and the number of protons doesn't change. In positron beta - decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino, reducing the number of protons. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted, changing both the number of protons and the atomic mass number.

Answer:

C. Beta decay (electron)