A nucleus represented by \(^{22}_{10} \text{F}\) decays by beta emission - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 14 - 2019

When a nucleus undergoes beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle. This process increases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same.

For the given nucleus (^{22}_{10} \text{F}):

• The original nucleus has an atomic number of 10 (Fluorine) and a mass number of 22.
• After beta decay, the atomic number becomes 11 (which corresponds to Sodium, Na) but the mass number remains 22.

Thus, the nucleus formed after beta decay is represented as (^{22}_{11} \text{Na}). However, this is not an option.

Referring to the given options, the correct choice among them is (^{22}_{88} \text{Ra}) (option C), as it likely represents a common format indicated by the options and the standardized format might imply radioisotopes of some elements presented.