Radioactive decay processes involve changes in the atomic nuclei, specifically concerning the number of protons and neutrons. When radioactive decay causes the loss or gain of one or more protons, it results in a transmutation of the element into a different element. This phenomenon is known as nuclear transmutation.

Understanding the decay scenario:

1. Beta Decay

- Beta-minus decay: This process involves the emission of an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino from a neutron. The neutron converts into a proton, increasing the number of protons by one.

- Beta-plus decay (rare): In beta-plus decay, a proton transforms into a neutron while releasing a positron (positive electron) and a neutrino. This process decreases the number of protons by one.

2. Proton Emission

- Proton emission is a relatively rare form of radioactive decay in which a proton is emitted from the nucleus, along with an electron and an antineutrino (if the emitted particle is a proton) or a positron and a neutrino (if the emitted particle is an antiproton).

In both cases, beta decay and proton emission, the loss or gain of protons during radioactive decay leads to the formation of a new element. The atomic number (the number of protons) of the new element differs from that of the original element, causing it to have different chemical properties and characteristics.