Question

Which represents the balanced equation for the beta minus emission of phosphorus-32?
Superscript 32 subscript 15 upper P right arrow superscript 28 subscript 13 upper A l plus superscript 4 subscript 2 upper H e.
Superscript 32 subscript 15 upper P right arrow superscript 32 subscript 14 upper S i plus superscript 0 subscript negative 1 e.
Superscript 32 subscript 15 upper P right arrow superscript 32 subscript 16 upper S plus superscript 0 subscript negative 1 e.
Superscript 32 subscript 15 upper P right arrow superscript 32 subscript 14 upper S i plus superscript 0 subscript plus 1 e.

Answer 1

The correct equation is:
Superscript 32 subscript 15 P → superscript 32 subscript 16 S + superscript 0 subscript −1 e

Explanation: Beta-minus emission converts a neutron to a proton and an electron, so the mass number stays 32 and the atomic number increases by 1 (15 → 16).