Which represents the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60?

${ }_{27}^{60} Co \longrightarrow{ }_{26}^{60} Fe +{ }_{+1}^0 e$

${ }_{27}^{60} Co \longrightarrow{ }_{28}^{60} Ni +{ }_{-1}^0 e$

${ }_{27}^{80} Co +{ }_{+1}^0 e \longrightarrow{ }_{26}^{60} Ni$

${ }_{27}^{60} Co +{ }_{-1}^0 e \longrightarrow{ }_{26}^{60} Fe

Cobalt-60 undergoes beta minus decay, where a neutron converts into a proton and emits an electron.
The mass number remains the same (60), while the atomic number increases by 1 (from 27 to 28).
The daughter nucleus is Nickel (Ni), so the balanced equation is 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ 28 60 ​ N i + − 1 0 ​ e .
Therefore, the correct answer is 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ 28 60 ​ N i + − 1 0 ​ e .

Explanation

Understanding Beta Minus Decay We want to identify the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Cobalt-60 (Co-60). In beta minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) is emitted. The general form of beta minus decay for Co-60 is:

General Form of Decay 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ Z A ​ X + − 1 0 ​ e where X is the daughter nucleus.

Determining Mass and Atomic Numbers The mass number (A) remains the same, so A = 60. The atomic number (Z) increases by 1, so Z = 27 + 1 = 28.

Identifying the Daughter Nucleus The element with atomic number 28 is Nickel (Ni). Therefore, the balanced nuclear equation is:

Balanced Nuclear Equation 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ 28 60 ​ N i + − 1 0 ​ e

Final Answer Comparing this with the given options, the correct equation is: 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ 28 60 ​ N i + − 1 0 ​ e


Examples
Beta decay is crucial in nuclear medicine for both diagnostics and therapeutics. For instance, radioactive isotopes that undergo beta decay are used in imaging techniques like PET scans to visualize biological processes within the body. Additionally, beta-emitting isotopes are employed in targeted cancer therapies, where the emitted particles destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Understanding beta decay helps in safely handling radioactive materials and developing effective medical treatments.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-07

The balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Cobalt-60 is 27 60 ​ C o ⟶ 28 60 ​ N i + − 1 0 ​ e . In this process, a neutron in Co-60 converts into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1, resulting in Nickel-60. Therefore, the correct option is the second one from the list provided.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-27