Question

Write a balanced nuclear equation for the Beta decay of : A. Nitrogen-16 B. Potassium-40

Answer 1

A.
16        16       0
    N  ->    O +    e
 7          8       -1
B.
40         40        0
    K  ->     Ca +    e
19         20        -1

Answer 2

Answer: The balanced nuclear equations are given below.

Explanation:

Beta-decay is defined as the decay process in which a neutron gets converted to a proton and an electron. The electron released during this process is considered as a beta particle only.

The general reaction representing beta decay process is:

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^A\textrm{Y}+_{-1}^0\beta$

For the beta decay reactions of the given nucleides, we get:

For A: Nitrogen-16

$_7^{16}\textrm{N}\rightarrow _{8}^{16}\textrm{O}+_{-1}^0\beta$

For B: Potassium-40

$_{19}^{40}\textrm{K}\rightarrow _{20}^{40}\textrm{Ca}+_{-1}^0\beta$

Thus, the balanced nuclear equations are given below.