Nuclear Processes Unit Test

Question

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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.

(2 points)

Answer 1

The student's reasoning is incorrect because beta-minus decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, which increases the atomic number by one, not decreases it. The equation actually represents a type of decay where a carbon-10 nucleus (10C) emits a beta particle (0+1e) and transforms into a boron-10 nucleus (10B), indicating a neutron is being converted into a proton and an electron is emitted, not a decrease in atomic number.