²³⁷U → ²³⁷Np + β⁻ + νₑ
Where:
* ²³⁷U represents the uranium-237 atom
* ²³⁷Np represents the neptunium-237 atom
* β⁻ represents the emitted beta particle (electron)
* νₑ represents the emitted electron antineutrino
Explanation:
* Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and an electron antineutrino.
* In this specific case, uranium-237 (92 protons, 145 neutrons) undergoes beta decay, converting one neutron into a proton. This results in neptunium-237 (93 protons, 144 neutrons).
Note: Beta decay can be either negative (β⁻) or positive (β⁺). In this case, uranium-237 undergoes negative beta decay.
