Answer
Balanced nuclear equation:
$^{40}_{19}K -- \gt ^{40}_{20}Ca + {_-}^{0}_{1}e$
Work Step by Step
1. Identify the reaction.
- In a $\beta$ decay, one neutron from the initial atom breaks into one proton and one electron. The proton remains in the nucleus, and the electron is released. We represent that electron by: $(_{-1}^0e)$.
2. Determine the atomic number and symbol for : $potassium$, and write its complete symbol.
- It is 19, and "K". Therefore, the symbol for potassium-40 is: $^{40}_{19}K$.
3. Now, add 1 to the atomic number of that potassium:
$^{40}_{19}K --\gt ^{40}_{20}?$
4. Identify the symbol for the element with atomic number equal to 20.
- It is "Ca". So, the main product of that reaction will be: $^{40}_{20}Ca$
5. Write the complete equation:
$^{40}_{19}K -- \gt ^{40}_{20}Ca + {_-}^{0}_{1}e$
