Question

Use the equation to answer the prompt.

10 6C→10 5B+ 0+1e
A student claims that the equation models beta-minus decay because the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by one. In one or two sentences, explain the error in the student’s reasoning.

Answer 1

In beta minus decay the atomic number INCREASES by 1. Here it decreases by 1. Looks like a positron (beta plus) to me.

Answer 2

thx so much! DrBob222