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.

Answer 1

The student's reasoning is flawed because in beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an electron (the beta particle) is emitted, which actually causes the atomic number to increase by one, not decrease. The model represents the transformation of a neutron into a proton and the emission of an electron, leading to the creation of a different element with a higher atomic number.