Beta Decay Charge Conservation

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SUMMARY

In beta decay, Carbon-14 (6 protons, 8 neutrons) transforms into Nitrogen-14 (7 protons, 7 neutrons) while emitting an electron and a neutrino. Charge conservation is maintained as the total charge before and after the decay remains constant; the additional proton in Nitrogen-14 is balanced by the emitted electron. The emitted electron does not remain associated with the Nitrogen-14 atom, leading to a highly ionized state post-decay. Thus, the process adheres to the principles of charge conservation in nuclear reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beta decay processes
  • Knowledge of atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Familiarity with nuclear reactions and conservation laws
  • Basic concepts of ionization and atomic charge
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  • Study the principles of nuclear decay, focusing on beta decay mechanisms
  • Explore charge conservation laws in nuclear physics
  • Investigate the behavior of emitted particles in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about ionization processes following nuclear decay events
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the principles of charge conservation in nuclear reactions.

Saraharris38
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Hey so, I was just wondering:

If Carbon-14 (6 protons, 8 neutrons) decays into an electron, a neutrino, and Nitrogen 14 (7 protons, 7 neutrons) How is charge conserved? I get that nucleons are conserved, but if nitrogen-14 is neutral, then it has 7 protons and 7 electrons, versus Carbon, which had 6 protons and 6 electrons, so is this extra electron the one that comes from the decay of the neutron and is subsequently emitted? In this case, wouldn't Nitrogen-14 have 7 protons and 6 electrons (after the beta particle is emitted), and be an ion with a net positive charge of +1e? Thanks!
 
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This is a nuclear process. The cloud of electrons surrounding the nucleus is just spectators.

The original state has 6 protons. The final state has 7 protons plus an electron, for the same total charge.

The extra electron won't even stay associated with the same atom. The atom will probably be highly ionized after the decay.
 

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