GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Beta Decay Equations

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Atomic structure Atoms and nuclear radiation

Beta Decay Equations

3:06 Decay Equations
Spec 4.4.2.2
Previous Alpha Decay Equations Next Gamma & Neutron Decay Equations
  • Beta decay involves a nucleus losing a neutron and gaining a proton.
  • Nuclei undergoing beta decay typically have more neutrons than protons.
  • A beta particle is a free electron carrying a negative charge.
  • In beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton, but understanding the process is not necessary for exams.
  • The mass number remains unchanged, while the atomic number increases by one.
  • In atomic notation, A is the mass number (protons + neutrons), Z is the atomic number (protons), and X represents the element.
  • Beta decay can be represented with a nuclear equation, similar to a chemical equation.
  • The beta particle is represented as an electron with no mass and a negative charge.
  • The new nucleus (Y) is a different element from the original (X) due to the change in the number of protons.
  • The mass number does not change as no particles are added or removed, only transformed.
  • The atomic number increases by one due to the additional proton.
  • The equation is verified by ensuring A and Z are the same on both sides.
  • The atomic number of the electron is minus one to balance the additional proton.
  • Example: Cobalt-60 with 27 protons and 33 neutrons undergoes beta decay to become Nickel.
  • Cobalt-60 is written in atomic notation with a mass number of 60 and atomic number of 27.
  • The atomic number is increased by one, resulting in 28 protons for Nickel.
  • The nuclear equation: Cobalt-60 emits a beta particle (electron) and becomes Nickel with a mass number of 60 and atomic number of 28.

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