Use the equation to answer the prompt.
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 one or two sentences, explain the error in the student’s reasoning.
(2 points)
1 answer
The student's reasoning is incorrect because the atomic number of the nucleus is not decreasing by one in the equation. The atomic number of the nucleus is actually increasing by one from 6C to 5B in this beta-minus decay reaction.