Question

When a nucleus at rest emits a beta particle, it is found that the velocities of the recoiling nucleus and the beta particle are not along the same straight line. How can this be possible in view of the principle of conservation of momentum?

Answer 1

The principle of conservation of momentum

Explanation:

Because the nucleus is at rest, the initial momentum of the nucleus is therefore zero

When the nucleus emits a beta particle and its velocity is v, the nucleus itself must go in the opposite direction with a momentum equal to v times the beta particle mass, but this does not happen because an antinutrino is also released from the nucleus along with the beta particle.

While the overall momentum remains, the path of the recoiling nucleus depends on the combined momentum of beta particle and antinutrino.                  

Answer 2

${\bold{\huge{\red{\underline{\green{ANSWER}}}}}}$

please check the above attachment