* Atomic Number Increases by 1: The atomic number is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. When a nucleus emits an electron, a neutron within the nucleus converts into a proton. This process increases the number of protons, thus raising the atomic number by 1.
* Mass Number Remains the Same: The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. While a neutron converts into a proton, the total number of protons and neutrons remains constant. Therefore, the mass number stays the same.
Example:
Imagine a Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) nucleus, which has 6 protons and 8 neutrons (mass number = 14). When it undergoes beta decay, it emits an electron and transforms into Nitrogen-14 (¹⁴N), which has 7 protons and 7 neutrons (mass number remains 14).
In summary:
* Atomic Number: Increases by 1
* Mass Number: Remains the same
Let me know if you'd like to know more about beta decay!
