Does Beta Minus Decay Make an Atom an Ion?

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    Beta Decay
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Beta minus decay results in a neutron transforming into a proton and an electron, leading to an increase in the atomic number. This process causes the atom to become positively charged, thus forming a positive ion due to having more protons than electrons. The emitted electron is typically high-energy and is likely ejected from the atom. Over time, the positive ion can capture another electron from its surroundings, returning to a neutral state. In summary, beta minus decay does make an atom an ion until it captures an electron.
esmeralda4
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Hi.

After Beta minus decay does the atom gain a charge and become an ion?

I.e after a neutron become a proton and electron does the atom become positively charged because it has more protons than electrons?

Or does it capture an electron from somewhere else?

Thanks
 
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The new electron is emitted with high energy and will probably be ejected from the atom, leaving a positive ion. The positive ion will eventually capture another electron and become neutral.
 
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