Correct Answer:
C. Antineutrino
The correct answer is Antineutrino. In beta decay, a neutron within an atomic nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. This process ensures the conservation of energy and momentum. The reaction is: n → p⁺ + e⁻ + ῡₑ (antineutrino). Among the options:
- Positron: The antiparticle of the electron, emitted in beta‑plus decay (proton → neutron).
- Photon: A particle of light, not emitted in beta decay.
- Antineutrino: Correct; it is emitted along with the electron.
- Alpha Particle: A helium nucleus, emitted in alpha decay.
Hence, the correct answer is "Antineutrino".