During the spontaneous emission of a -particle from a nucleus, which of the following statements cor — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$\beta^-$ -emission occurs when a neutron decays: ${}_{0}^{1}n \rightarrow {}_{1}^{1}p + {}_{-1}^{0}e$. Because a neutron converts to a proton, the total nucleon count ($A$) is unchanged (Option B). The conversion increases the proton count by 1 (so $Z$ increases, making Option C false). Because neutrons drop by 1 and protons increase by 1, the overall $n/p$ ratio strictly decreases (Option D). So A, B, and D are correct statements. (Wait, the question asks what is correct. A, B, D are correct, but my answer text said A, B, C. Let me correct the answer string to A, B, D.)