Question:medium

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, emits which of the following particles?

Updated On: May 3, 2026
  • Neutron (n)

  • Beta (β-)

  • Alpha (α)

  • Gamma (γ)

Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the type of particle emitted by tritium, which is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen.

To understand the options provided, let's explore the characteristics of tritium decay:

  • Tritium (\( ^3_1\text{H} \)): This is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and two neutrons.
  • Decay Process: Tritium undergoes beta decay, a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted.
  • Beta Decay: During beta decay, a neutron in the tritium nucleus is transformed into a proton, and an electron (beta particle, \(\beta^-\)) and an antineutrino are emitted.

Let's evaluate the options:

  1. Neutron (n): Neutrons are not emitted during tritium decay; instead, one of its neutrons is converted into a proton.
  2. Beta (\(\beta^-\)): Tritium indeed emits a beta particle during its decay, which is an electron.
  3. Alpha (\(\alpha\)): Alpha particles, composed of two protons and two neutrons, are not emitted by tritium.
  4. Gamma (\(\gamma\)): Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves, but tritium's primary emission is a beta particle, not gamma rays.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Beta (\(\beta^-\)), not Gamma (\(\gamma\)). Tritium emits a beta particle during its radioactive decay.

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