Which type of radioactive decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton? Which type of decay has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Beta-minus decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton, and beta-plus decay has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the radioactive decay that changes a neutron into a proton

In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, while emitting an electron (beta particle) and an electron antineutrino. The equation for beta-minus decay is: \[ n \rightarrow p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu_e} \] Here, 'n' stands for neutron, 'p' for proton, \(e^{-}\) for the emitted electron (beta particle), and \(\bar{\nu_e}\) for the electron antineutrino.
02

Conclusion for neutron to proton transformation

Beta-minus decay is the type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton. Now, let's identify the radioactive decay that changes a proton into a neutron.
03

Identify the radioactive decay that changes a proton into a neutron

In beta-plus decay, also known as positron decay, a proton is converted into a neutron while emitting a positron (positive electron) and an electron neutrino. The equation for beta-plus decay is: \[ p \rightarrow n + e^{+} + \nu_e \] Here, 'p' stands for proton, 'n' for neutron, \(e^{+}\) for the emitted positron, and \(\nu_e\) for the electron neutrino.
04

Conclusion for proton to neutron transformation

Beta-plus decay is the type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron. In summary, beta-minus decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton, and beta-plus decay has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron.

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