Question

What is the balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of cesium-137
Type your symbols top #/ bottom # element symbol

Answer 1

The balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of cesium-137 (\(^{137}_{55}Cs\)) can be represented as follows:

\[
^{137}_{55}Cs \rightarrow ^{137}_{56}Ba + \beta^- + \bar{\nu}
\]

In this equation:

- \(^{137}_{55}Cs\) is the cesium-137 nucleus.
- \(^{137}_{56}Ba\) is the barium-137 nucleus produced from the decay.
- \(\beta^-\) represents the emitted beta particle (an electron).
- \(\bar{\nu}\) represents the antineutrino released in the process.

This decay increases the atomic number by 1 (from 55 to 56) while the mass number remains the same (137).