The student incorrectly identifies the decay process; the equation models beta-plus decay, not beta-minus decay, because a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron (0/+1 e) and a neutrino. In beta-minus decay, a neutron would instead be converted into a proton, leading to an increase in the atomic number.
Use the equation to answer the question.
10/6 C→10/5 B + 0/+1 e
A student claims that the equation models beta-minus decay because the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by one. In 1–2 sentences, explain the error in the student’s reasoning and what the model actually represents.
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