Which missing item would complete this beta decay reaction?

Question

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

Answer 1

Beta decay causes an increase in atomic number without changing the atomic weight so the new species or element would be the next element up on the periodic table.

Beta emission would cause 131/53 L to go up to 131/54 Xe.

So the complete reaction would be:

131/53 L ---> 131/54 Xe + 0/-1B

If you can remember that the beta emission causes the element to go up by 1 in atomic number, you can solve problems like these.

The correct fill in is Xenon or 131/54 Xe