In beta decay, what is emitted?

an electron

a helium-4 atom

a neutron

a photon

a radionucleus

The correct answer is an electron.

Explanation:

Beta decay : In this process, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. In this decay, the atomic number is increased by 1 unit.

General representation of beta decay :

Where as:

Alpha decay : When a larger nuclei decays into smaller nuclei by releasing alpha particle. In this process, the mass number and atomic number is reduced by 4 and 2 units respectively.

General representation of alpha decay :

Gamma decay : In this process, the unstable nuclei transformed into stable nuclei by releasing gamma rays. In this process, the mass number remains same.

General representation of gamma decay :

.