Which diagram represents the process of beta-plus decay?
A
B
C
D - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 9
Which diagram represents the process of beta-plus decay?
A
B
C
D
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which diagram represents the process of beta-plus decay?
A
B
C
D - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the process of beta-plus decay
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Answer
Beta-plus decay is a type of radioactive decay where a proton in a nucleus is transformed into a neutron, releasing a positron (β⁺) and a neutrino (νₑ). This process is typically represented in Feynman diagrams.
Step 2
Analyze each diagram for beta-plus decay characteristics
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Answer
Diagram A shows a down quark (d) transitioning into an up quark (u) with the emission of a W⁺ boson, which then decays into a positron and neutrino—this matches beta-plus decay.
Diagram B features a W⁺ boson but does not show the correct quark transformation.
Diagram C shows an up quark and down quark interaction but does not represent beta-plus decay correctly.
Diagram D shows a positron but incorrectly represents the process.
Step 3
Select the correct diagram
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Answer
The correct representation of beta-plus decay is found in Diagram A.
