During a beta decay

Options

A. (a) an atomic electron is ejected
B. (b) an electron present inside the nucleus is ejected
C. (c) a neutron in the nucleus decays emitting and electron
D. (d) a part of the binding energy is converted into electron

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Beta Decay:**
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is transformed into a proton. This process results in the emission of a beta particle, which is either an electron (in negative beta decay) or a positron (in positive beta decay).

2. **Identifying the Components:**
- In negative beta decay, a neutron (n) is converted into a proton (p), and an electron (e⁻) is emitted, along with an antineutrino (ν̅).
- The equation for this process can be represented as:
\[ n \rightarrow p + e^- + \bar{\nu} \]
- The atomic number of the daughter nucleus increases by one, while the mass number remains unchanged.

3. **Analyzing the Options:**
- The options provided in the question are:
A) An atomic electron is ejected.
B) An electron present inside the nucleus is ejected.
C) Electron in the nucleus decay emitting electrons.
D) None of the above.
- We need to determine which option correctly describes the process of beta decay.

4. **Evaluating Each Option:**
- **Option A:** "An atomic electron is ejected." - This option is incorrect because the electron emitted during beta decay is not an atomic electron; it is a beta particle generated from the decay of a neutron.
- **Option B:** "An electron present inside the nucleus is ejected." - This option is also incorrect because there are no electrons inside the nucleus; the decay involves a neutron transforming into a proton and emitting a beta particle.
- **Option C:** "Electron in the nucleus decay emitting electrons." - This option is misleading as it suggests that electrons are present in the nucleus, which is not the case.
- **Option D:** "None of the above." - This option is correct because all previous options misrepresent the process of beta decay.

5. **Conclusion:**
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **D) None of the above.**

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