Why does positron emission occur

Chemistry Nuclear Chemistry Positron Decay. Ernest Z. Mar 27, Related questions How does positron emission mammography work? What is an example of a positron decay practice problem? What is half-life? Asked 6 years, 4 months ago. Active 1 year, 11 months ago. Viewed 2k times. Improve this question. John Rennie k gold badges silver badges bronze badges. Please roll back me edit if I have got this wrong. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. When an element emits a positron, the identity of the element changes to the one having one fewer protons on the periodic table.

An example of a nuclear equation showing positron emission is shown below:. Boron has one fewer protons in its nucleus than carbon, but the mass is unchanged because the proton has been replaced by a neutron. How does positron emission mammography work? What is an example of a positron decay practice problem? What is half-life? What causes beta plus decay? What elements undergo positron decay?