As a result of beta decay, the product nucleus is:. A. One atomic number lower than the originalelement
B. One atomic number higher than the original element
C. Two atomic numbers higher than the original element
D. Two atomic numbers lower than the original element
E. Four atomic numbers lower than the original element

Option B:

One atomic number higher than the original element

Explanation:

A Beta particle can be emitted spontaneously during radioactive decay. A beta particle has the  symbol of  .

Whenever a beta particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, a neutron is transformed directly into a proton. This leads to an increase in the number of protons in the atom, subsequently causing an increase in its atomic number.

The value with which the atomic number increases depends on the number of neutrons converted to protons. If only one Beta decay occurs, the new atomic number will be one number higher than the original element.