The error in the student’s reasoning is that beta-minus decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, which increases the atomic number by one, not decreases it. The equation provided actually represents a different reaction, likely involving the capture of an electron (beta-plus decay) or some other nuclear transformation where the atomic number does not align with the described decay process.
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)
1 answer