How can I write nuclear equations for beta decay?

Question

Serenity Allen · Accepted Answer

All you have to do is multiply the atomic number by 1.

Recall that electrons are released after a neutron breaks down into a proton, a process known as beta decay (which we call a beta particle)

The atom would become Praseodynium-144 (Pr) if, for instance, it were to decay by beta emission from Cerium-144 (Ce). This is because the creation of a proton results in an increase in atomic number, which in this case goes from 58 (Cerium) to 59 (Praseodynium).

Always remember to put + #e^(-)# at the end of the equation.

Wyatt Adkins · Answer

undefined To write nuclear equations for beta decay, follow these steps:

1. Identify the parent nucleus undergoing beta decay.
2. Determine whether the beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (electron) or a positron (positron emission).
3. Write the balanced nuclear equation, indicating the parent nucleus, the daughter nucleus formed after beta decay, and the emitted beta particle or positron.

For beta-minus decay (emission of an electron), the general form of the equation is:

Parent nucleus ⟶ Daughter nucleus + β^- + antineutrino

For beta-plus decay (positron emission), the general form of the equation is:

Parent nucleus ⟶ Daughter nucleus + β^+ + neutrino

Ensure that the atomic number and mass number are conserved on both sides of the equation.