Question

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 students reasoning and what the model actually represents

Answer 1

The student's reasoning is incorrect because the equation describes beta-minus decay, where a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase of the atomic number by one, not a decrease. In the equation \( ^{10}_{6}C \rightarrow ^{10}_{5}B + e^- + \bar{\nu} \), the carbon-10 nucleus emits a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino, which correctly reflects the increase in atomic number from carbon (6) to boron (5) while the mass number remains constant (10).