Q82 / 160 · JIPMER 2009 · Physics
In radioactive decay process, the negatively charged emitted $\beta$-particles are
- Athe electrons present inside the nucleus
- Correct answerBthe electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons inside the nucleus
- Cthe electrons produced as a result of collisions between atoms
- Dthe electrons orbiting around the nucleus
Solution
Beta decay can involve the emission of either electrons or positrons. The electrons or positrons emitted in a $\beta$-decay do not exist inside the nucleus. They are only created at the time of emission, just as photons are created when an atom makes a transition from higher to a lower energy state.
In negative $\beta$-decay a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron and an antineutrino. Hence, in radioactive decay process, the negatively charged emitted $\beta$-particles are the electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons present inside the nucleus.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.