²⁴₁₁Na → ²⁴₁₂Mg + ⁰₋₁e + νₑ
Explanation:
* ²⁴₁₁Na: This represents sodium-24, with 24 as the mass number and 11 as the atomic number.
* ²⁴₁₂Mg: This represents magnesium-24, which is the product of the decay. The atomic number increases by 1 because a neutron has been converted into a proton.
* ⁰₋₁e: This represents an electron, which is emitted during beta decay. It's also known as a beta particle (β⁻).
* νₑ: This represents an electron antineutrino. It's emitted alongside the electron to conserve energy and momentum.
Key Points About Beta Decay:
* Neutron Conversion: A neutron within the nucleus decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino.
* Atomic Number Change: The atomic number increases by 1 due to the formation of a proton.
* Mass Number Remains Constant: The mass number remains the same as the neutron is replaced by a proton.
* Energy Release: Beta decay is an energy-releasing process, with the energy carried away by the electron and antineutrino.
