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

12471 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why do astronauts feel weightless while in orbit?


How do we know about the structure of the atom?


A 10kg cube of iron with length 5cm is resting on a table surface. Assuming the acceleration under gravity of the block is 9.81ms^(-2), what is the pressure on the table?


If a 60kg girl jumps out of a helicoptor, draw diagrams to show the forces (with values) acting on her when a) she is in freefall, b) she is accelerating at half of g (g = 10 m/s^2), c) she is travelling at a constant speed?


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