Question

what type of decay is taking place in this reaction?

beta
alpha
gamma
positron

Explanation:

Beta decay occurs when a neutron in an atom's nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. In the given reaction \(_{6}^{14}C
ightarrow_{-1}^{0}e + _{7}^{14}N\), a carbon - 14 nucleus decays into a nitrogen - 14 nucleus and emits an electron (\(_{-1}^{0}e\)). This is characteristic of beta decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of \(_{2}^{4}He\) particles. Gamma decay involves the emission of high - energy photons (\(\gamma\)) with no change in the atomic number or mass number of the nucleus. Positron emission would involve the emission of \(_{+1}^{0}e\) (a positron), which is not the case here.

Answer:

Beta