Beta Decay Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

What symbol is used for a beta particle in a nuclear equation?

$^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$

What is the effect of beta emission on the mass number and atomic number of a nucleus?

Mass number is unchanged; atomic number (charge) increases by 1.

What are the steps to complete a nuclear equation for beta decay?

e.g. $^{14}_{6}\text{C} \rightarrow\ ^{?}_{?}\text{N} + \beta$

1. Write beta as $^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$
2. Keep the mass number the same: $14$
3. Add 1 to the atomic number: $6 + 1 = 7$, giving $^{14}_{7}\text{N}$

True or false? A beta particle is an electron that comes from the outer shells of the atom.

False. It is emitted from the nucleus when a neutron turns into a proton.