During `beta`-decay (beta minus), the emission of antineutrino particle is supported by which of the following statement (s)?

Options

A. Angular momentum conservation hold good in any nuclear reaction.
B. Linear momentum conservation holds good in any nuclear reaction.
C. The kinetic energy of emitted `beta`-particle is varying continuously to a maximum value.
D. None of these

Answer

A, B, C

Explanation

If the nuclear reaction involving `beta`-decay is `n rarr p + e^(-)`, the spins on two sides are not equal as all the three (neutron, proton and electron) have spins of +1/2. So, to conserve angular momentum (spin), some other particle must be emitted.
Through experiments it has been observed that direction of emitted electron and recoiling nuclei are almost never exactly opposite as requried for linear momentum to be conserved.
During `beta`-decay, the energy of electron is found to vary continuously from 0 to maximum value (this maximum value is a characteristic of nuclide). To explain this experimental observation, we also need some other particle.