Correct Answer:

Answering the Question:

In order to answer this question it is important to understand what the result of β decay will be and how it occurs. According to Table N, N-16 will undergo β^- decay. This means that an electron will leave its nuclei creating an additional proton in the process. The concept of an electron leaving the nucleus of an element is a difficult concept to grasp. It is believed that the electron will be released as a result of the breakdown of a neutron to form a proton and an electron. This will lead to an increase in the atomic number from 7 to 8. However, since the proton was a result of the decay of a neutron the mass number will remain the same, as the mass number is the total number of protons plus the number of neutrons. The change in atomic number results in the formation of a new element with atomic number 8, which is O-16.