Describe the process of beta-minus decay. What happens to the mass number and atomic number when alpha, beta, and gamma decay occurs?

In beta-minus decay, a neutron decays into a proton plus an electron. For alpha decay, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2. For beta-minus decay, the mass number remains the same but the atomic number increases due to the proton. For gamma radiation, mass and atomic number do not change.

IC
Answered by Isabelle C. Physics tutor

12215 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why a simple electric motor continues to turn in the same direction when there is a current in the coil (6 marks)


Explain the difference between a battery and a cell


N/A


How do we know about the structure of the atom?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning