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6 Radioactivity

Phosphorus-30 decays by beta-plus emission. The equation for the decay is

{}^{30}_{15}\mathrm{P} \rightarrow {}^{30}_{14}\mathrm{Si} + {}^{0}_{+1}\mathrm{e}

A student says, 'The silicon nucleus has a lower charge number than the phosphorus nucleus, so positive charge has disappeared during the decay.'

Explain why the student's statement is incorrect.

[2]

6 Radioactivity Questions

Phosphorus-30 decays by beta-plus emission. The equation for the decay is

{}^{30}_{15}\mathrm{P} \rightarrow {}^{30}_{14}\mathrm{Si} + {}^{0}_{+1}\mathrm{e}

A student says, 'The silicon nucleus has a lower charge number than the phosphorus nucleus, so positive charge has disappeared during the decay.'

Explain why the student's statement is incorrect.

[2]