Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 33 - Think and Explain - Page 635-636: 71

Answer

An element can "decay forward" by emitting electrons (beta radiation).

Work Step by Step

The atomic number increases by 1 for beta emission, because beta particles carry a charge of -1e. A neutron in the nucleus effectively becomes a proton. This is discussed on pages 628-629.
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