The daughter nuclide of positron emission will differ from the parent nuclide by

• A. having the same number of protons, but one less neutron.
• B. having one less neutron and one less proton.
• C. having the same number of neutrons, but one less proton.
• D. having one less proton and one more neutron.
• E. having one less neutron and one more proton.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of positron emission: Positron emission is a type of beta decay where a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
2. Identify the change in the atomic number: Since a proton is converted into a neutron, the atomic number decreases by one. This means the daughter nuclide will have one less proton than the parent nuclide.
3. Identify the change in the neutron number: The conversion of a proton into a neutron increases the neutron count by one. Therefore, the daughter nuclide will have one more neutron than the parent nuclide.
4. Consider the implications for the nuclide: The daughter nuclide will have a different element identity due to the change in the atomic number, but the mass number remains the same because the total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) is unchanged.
5. Conclude the characteristics of the daughter nuclide: The daughter nuclide will have one less proton and one more neutron compared to the parent nuclide, which matches the correct answer provided.