Question

Use the equation to answer the prompt.

6 ^ 10 C 5 ^ 10 B+ +1 ^ 0 e

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.

(2 points)

Answer 1

The student's reasoning is incorrect because beta-minus decay actually involves an increase in atomic number by one, not a decrease. In beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase in atomic number.