3.2.1.2
Beta-plus decay converts a proton into a neutron
Atomic Structure & Nuclear Stability — AQA A-Level Physics
- Beta-plus ($\beta^{+}$) decay occurs in proton-rich nuclei.
- A proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron and an electron neutrino.
$${}_{Z}^{A}X \longrightarrow {}_{Z-1}^{A}Y + {}_{+1}^{0}\beta + {}_{0}^{0}\nu_{e}$$
- Proton number decreases by 1.
- Nucleon number stays the same.
- Example: ${}_{6}^{6}\text{C} \longrightarrow {}_{5}^{6}\text{B} + {}_{+1}^{0}\beta + {}_{0}^{0}\nu_{e}$
Examiner Tips and Tricks
- Memory trick: beta 'plus' starts with 'p' — the proton turns into a neutron.
- Beta 'minus' — a neutron turns into a proton.