Beta decay (T7)

Question 1

Using the radioactive isotope carbon-14 as an example, explain how it decays with beta decay..

Answer 1

Carbon-14 decays to form the stable isotope of the gas nitrogen, by emitting a beta particle.

The beta particle is formed when a neutron splits to form a proton and an electron.

Question 2

What is the standard atomic notation for a beta particle?

Answer 2

Question 3

Explain the general form of the beta decay equation..

Answer 3

Element X is transformed into element Y by the emission of a beta particle.

Element Y is the next element in the periodic table after element X.

The beta particle is just an electron with almost no mass, so the mass number (A) is the same for X and Y.

As they beta particle has a charge of -1, the atomic number of the new element if increased to Z+1.

Again the mass number and atomic number are conserved through this equation.