Question

Write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of protactinium

Answer 1

The balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of protactinium is 231Pa → 231U + β- + ν. In this equation, a protactinium-231 nucleus decays into a uranium-231 nucleus through the emission of a beta particle (β-) and an electron neutrino (ν).

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of protactinium is:

231Pa → 231U + β- + ν

In this equation, a protactinium-231 nucleus decays into a uranium-231 nucleus through the emission of a beta particle (β-) and an electron neutrino (ν). The atomic number of the nucleus increases by one, from 91 to 92, due to the gain of a proton.

Answer 2

`_(91)^(231)Pa --\ \textgreater \ _(92)^(231)U + _(-1)^(0)e`