During beta decay, how does the transformation of neutrons into protons affect isotopic stability?

• A. It moves the isotope closer to the band of stability by decreasing the neutron/proton ratio.
• B. It has no impact on isotopic stability.
• C. It increases the neutron/proton ratio, moving the isotope further from the band of stability.
• D. It causes the isotope to become unstable and undergo gamma decay.

Answer: (A)