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How does an atom that loses electrons such as in beta decay end up with a different atomic number?
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
When the number of protons in the nucleus is changed, and an electron or positron created, the atom undergoing decay becomes, in effect, a different element. The number of protons is what determines the elemental status of an atom.
In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton and the nucleus releases an electron and antineutrino.
In beta+ decay (aka positron emission), a proton becomes a neutron, releasing a positron and antineutrino. In each case, the decay changes the neutron/proton ratio and makes the atom more stable.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
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How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two. Beta- decay increases the atomic number by one. Beta+ decay decreases the atomic number by one. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number. However, gamma decay is often incidental to a precipitating alpha or beta event that upsets the energy equilibrium in the nucleus, so the two are not unrelated.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
Gamma decay don't affect the atomic number.
What is the radioactive decay of an atom resulting in the decrease in the atomic number with no charge in the atomic mass called?
It is called beta decay. there are two types: 1) posive beta decay in which atomic number decreases. 2) negative beta decay in which atomic number increases.
Do Isotopes differ from each other only in the number of electrons contained?
Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons. All atoms are neutral - they always contain the same number of protons (positive) as electrons (negative). If they lose or gain electrons, they become ions. If they lose or gain protons (as in radioactive decay), they become a different element. An element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons. Atoms may differ in their atomic mass. The difference is due to differing numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass on the periodic chart is the proportional average of all the naturally occurring isotopes. To determine how many neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass.
Radioactive decay do not involve electrons?
Radioactive decay may or may not involve electrons. There are different types of radioactive decay.
How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two. Beta- decay increases the atomic number by one. Beta+ decay decreases the atomic number by one. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number. However, gamma decay is often incidental to a precipitating alpha or beta event that upsets the energy equilibrium in the nucleus, so the two are not unrelated.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
Gamma decay don't affect the atomic number.
What is the radioactive decay of an atom resulting in the decrease in the atomic number with no charge in the atomic mass called?
It is called beta decay. there are two types: 1) posive beta decay in which atomic number decreases. 2) negative beta decay in which atomic number increases.
Do Isotopes differ from each other only in the number of electrons contained?
Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons. All atoms are neutral - they always contain the same number of protons (positive) as electrons (negative). If they lose or gain electrons, they become ions. If they lose or gain protons (as in radioactive decay), they become a different element. An element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons. Atoms may differ in their atomic mass. The difference is due to differing numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass on the periodic chart is the proportional average of all the naturally occurring isotopes. To determine how many neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass.
Radioactive decay do not involve electrons?
Radioactive decay may or may not involve electrons. There are different types of radioactive decay.
How does the atomic number of a nucleus change when beta decay occurs?
The atomic number increases by one unit when a beta decay occurs.
How is the atomic mass number of a nucleus changed by alpha decay or by beta decay or by gamma decay?
The mass does not change much. The Atomic number will increase though.
How does nuclear decay affect the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus that changes after undergoing decay?
Beta+ decay and electron capture causes the atomic number to drop by one. Beta- causes the the atomic number to rise by one.Proton emission causes the atomic and mass number to drop by one.Neutron emission causes the mass number to drop by one.Alpha decay causes the atomic number to drop by two and the mass number to drop by four.
What radioactive decay processes do not reduce the atomic number of a nuclide?
Beta Decay.
What do you know about an isotope?
Isotopes have same atomic number. They have different mass numbers. Their physical properties are different.
When an atom emits a beta particle the number of nucleons?
In this case the atomic number is increased with one.
How many numbers of protons are in hygrogen?
1. The atomic number refers to the element and how many electrons an atom may hold, the neutrons determine the isotope, an all together different matter that involves decay rates and sometimes the source of a number of atoms.
