 To balance remember that the sum of the mass numbers (superscripts) and the sum of the atomic numbers (subscripts) on each side of the arrow are equal  When a radioactive nucleus emits a beta particle,  the product nucleus has an atomic number that increases by 1 and a mass number that does not change  The beta particle ( 0 -1 e ) is written as a product  When a radioactive nucleus captures a beta particle,  The product nucleus has an atomic number that decreases by 1 and a mass number that does not change  The beta particle ( 0 -1 e ) is written as a reactant

 If carbon – 14 undergoes beta decay what will the products be? C  ___ + e 14 Must be an beta particle!!! 6 0

 If carbon – 14 undergoes beta decay what will the products be? C  ___ + e 14 To solve for this Mass # we need to remember that the Mass # of reactants = Mass # of products 14 = x + 0 x =

 If carbon – 14 undergoes beta decay what will the products be? C  ___ + e 14 To solve for this Atomic # we need to remember that the Atomic # of reactants = Atomic # of products 6 = x + -1 x =

 If carbon – 14 undergoes beta decay what will the products be? C  ___ + e What element is this? Look at the atomic number here and then find it on your periodic table N

 If Nickel captures a beta particle what will be its product? Ni + e  ___ Mass # of reactants = Mass # of products 59 = 0 + x X = __ 59

 If Nickel captures a beta particle what will be its product? Ni + e  ___ __ 59 Atomic # = 27 27

 If Nickel captures a beta particle what will be its product? Ni + e  ___ __ What element is this? Look at the atomic number here and then find it on your periodic table Co