Select the correct answer. Which missing item would complete this beta decay reaction? (}_{53)^131Iarrow _(-3)^0 A. (}_{2)^4He B. (}_{53)^132I C. (}_{1)^0n D. (}_{52)^131Te E. (}_{54)^131Xe

## Step 1: <br />In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. The electron and the antineutrino are ejected from the nucleus, while the proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number by 1.<br /><br />## Step 2:<br />In this case, the original atom is iodine-131, which has an atomic number of 53. After beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1, so the resulting atom should have an atomic number of 54.<br /><br />## Step 3:<br />Looking at the options, only option D, tellurium-131, has an atomic number of 54. Therefore, it is the correct answer.