Question

what type of nuclear decay is this?

$^{99}_{43}tc \to ^{99}_{44}ru + ^{0}_{-1}e$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nuclear decay types

Nuclear decay types include beta decay (emission of electron or positron), alpha decay (emission of \(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\) nucleus), gamma decay (emission of gamma rays).

Step2: Analyze the given equation

In the equation \(^{99}_{43}\text{Tc}\to^{99}_{44}\text{Ru}+^{0}_{- 1}\text{e}\), a particle with mass number \(0\) and charge \(-1\) (electron) is emitted. Beta decay involves the emission of an electron (\(\beta^{-}\) decay) or a positron (\(\beta^{+}\) decay). Here, since \(^{0}_{-1}\text{e}\) (electron) is emitted, it is \(\beta^{-}\) decay.

Answer:

Beta