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.

Answer 1

The student's claim is incorrect because, in beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase in the atomic number by one, not a decrease. The equation actually represents a beta-minus decay process where a neutron in the parent nucleus (10 6C) decays to form a proton (10 5B), an electron (0 -1e), and an antineutrino, leading to an increase in the atomic number from 6 to 7, not a decrease.