Does Beta Minus Decay Make an Atom an Ion?

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SUMMARY

Beta minus decay results in the transformation of a neutron into a proton and an electron, leading to the atom gaining a positive charge and becoming a positive ion. The emitted electron is typically ejected from the atom with high energy, leaving the atom with more protons than electrons. Eventually, the positive ion can capture another electron from its surroundings, restoring neutrality.

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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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