A student claims that the equation models beta minus decay because the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by one and 1 to 2 sentences explain the error in the students reasoning
The error in the student's reasoning is that the equation they provided actually models beta plus decay, not beta minus decay. In beta plus decay, a positron (0/+1e) is emitted from the nucleus, which results in the atomic number decreasing by one as a proton converts into a neutron. In beta minus decay, an electron (0/-1e) is emitted, causing the atomic number to increase by one as a neutron converts into a proton.
