3
QuizMultiple Choice

Balancing Nuclear Reactions — Quiz

Question 3 • Physical Science

Which represents the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co - 60 ?

Answer
A
27 to the 60th power Co plus negative 1 to the 0 power e rightarrow 26 to the 60th power Fe
B
27 to the 60th power Co rightarrow 28 to the 60th power Ni plus negative 1 to the 0 power e
C
27 to the 60th power Co rightarrow 26 to the 60th power Fe plus plus 1 to the 0 power e
D
27 to the 60th power Co plus plus 1 to the 0 power e rightarrow 28 to the 60th power Ni

Explanation

In beta minus decay, a neutron changes into a proton and emits an electron. The mass number stays 60, while the atomic number increases from 27 to 28, so cobalt-60 becomes nickel-60 and releases a beta particle: ⁶⁰₂₇Co → ⁶⁰₂₈Ni + ⁰₋₁e. This is choice B.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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