A radioactive isotope of atomic number Z emits a beta-minus particle, and then the daughter nucleus emits a gamma ray. What is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus after both processes? Z-4 Z+1 Z Z-2 Z-1
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So, after the beta-minus decay, the atomic number becomes Z+1. Then, the daughter nucleus emits a gamma ray. Gamma decay does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus because it only involves a change in the energy state of the nucleus. Show more…
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