Question
Use the equation to answer the question.
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 1–2 sentences, explain the error in the student’s reasoning and what the model actually represents.
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 1–2 sentences, explain the error in the student’s reasoning and what the model actually represents.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The student's reasoning is incorrect because, in beta-minus decay, the atomic number actually increases by one, not decreases, as a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) in the process. The equation provided models a decay process where a neutron decays into a proton, resulting in an increase in atomic number, which contrasts with the student's claim of a decrease.