How does a nucleus change when beta decay occurs? Chemistry Nuclear Chemistry Beta Decay 1 Answer tcw1 Jun 20, 2018 One neutron becomes a proton. Explanation: #beta^-# decay occurs when a neutron is converted to a proton, releasing an electron and an electron antineutrino. For example: # ""_6^12C -> ""_7^14N + e^- + v_e^-# Answer link Related questions How do you write nuclear equations for beta decay? How does beta decay change the nucleus? Why is beta decay a weak interaction? What is beta decay? What is the decay equation for the beta decay of uranium 237? Can you write the nuclear decay equation for the beta decay of iodine-131? Does an atom gain or lose an electron during beta decay? How is the atomic mass changed by beta decay? Is an antineutrino emitted in beta decay? Why is beta decay continuous? See all questions in Beta Decay Impact of this question 2646 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License