⁶⁴Zn → ⁶⁴Cu + ⁰β⁻ + νₑ
Here's a breakdown:
* ⁶⁴Zn: This represents the parent nuclide, Zinc-64, with 30 protons and 34 neutrons.
* ⁶⁴Cu: This is the daughter nuclide, Copper-64, with 29 protons and 35 neutrons.
* ⁰β⁻: This represents a beta particle, which is an electron emitted from the nucleus.
* νₑ: This represents an electron antineutrino, a neutral particle also emitted during beta decay.
Explanation:
In beta decay, a neutron within the nucleus transforms into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. This results in:
* Increase in atomic number: The daughter nuclide (Copper) has one more proton than the parent nuclide (Zinc).
* No change in mass number: The mass number remains the same because the neutron is replaced by a proton.
