Beta decay: + and -

[CyborgNinjaX]

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Something I do not get about beta decay:

If a question asks you: "If you have a molecule that is mass 200 and atomic 83 (hypothetical numbers) and undergoes alpha, alpha and beta decay, what is the end product?"

How do you know which beta decay they are referring to? I mean the differentiating point of an atom is the atomic number. To know the atomic number you would have to know what beta decay is, as you have beta + = -1 from atomic number and then you have beta - = +1 to atomic number....

 

[hoak]

I think every time they say "beta" alone, they mean beta -

 

[DentalKitty]

I think every time they say "beta" alone, they mean beta -

Yes, they should say Positron if they mean the +1 one.

 

[levyusupov]

by definition, beta decay is like adding an electron. thus, atomic # increases, and the mass have no change.

 

[chrisvocker]

I'll third this: if they say beta decay without specifying + or - then I am pretty sure it's taken as -