Cobalt-60 decays to nickel-60. The nickel nucleus then emits gamma radiation.
The equation for the decays is
2760Co→2860Ni+−10e+00γ {}^{60}_{27}\mathrm{Co} \rightarrow {}^{60}_{28}\mathrm{Ni} + {}^{0}_{-1}\mathrm{e} + {}^{0}_{0}\gamma 2760Co→2860Ni+−10e+00γShow that the equation is balanced for mass number and for charge.
Explain why a gamma ray is emitted after the beta minus particle.
Explain why the emission of gamma radiation has no effect on the atomic number of the nucleus.
Determine the number of neutrons in a cobalt-60 nucleus and in a nickel-60 nucleus.