Question

A Carbon-10 nucleus has 6 protons and 4 neutrons. Through radioactive beta decay, it turns into a Boron-10 nucleus, with 5 protons and 5 neutrons, plus another particle. What kind of additional particle, if any, is produced during this decay

Answer 1

No additional particle was produced during the decay.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation of decay is given as;

¹⁰₆C + ⁰₋₁ e → ¹⁰₅B + x

To identify x, we have to calculate its atomic and mass number.

In the reactants side;

Atomic Number = 6 + (-1) = 5

Mass number = 10 + 0 = 10

In the products side;

Atomic Number = 5 + x

Mass Number = 10 + x

Generally, reactant = product

Atomic Number;

5 = 5 + x

x = 5 - 5 = 0

Mass Number;

10 = 10 + x

x = 10 - 10 = 0

This means no additional particle was produced during the decay.