- #1
JCsponge
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This sounds like a silly question but if
Z (atomic number) is defined as the number of protons in a nucleus.
Why does Z=-1 for a beta minus particle? (since it is just an electron)
I know what is happening with the decay that a up quark turns into a down quark so that a neutron turns into a proton, electron and electron neutrino but I see no reason other than saying the atomic number must be conserved in the decay equation for Z=-1 for the beta particle.
It seems to me that we have decided that Z=-1 to fit a rule for conservation of atomic number and for no other reason.
I know that there must be an error in my thinking somewhere but where?
Z (atomic number) is defined as the number of protons in a nucleus.
Why does Z=-1 for a beta minus particle? (since it is just an electron)
I know what is happening with the decay that a up quark turns into a down quark so that a neutron turns into a proton, electron and electron neutrino but I see no reason other than saying the atomic number must be conserved in the decay equation for Z=-1 for the beta particle.
It seems to me that we have decided that Z=-1 to fit a rule for conservation of atomic number and for no other reason.
I know that there must be an error in my thinking somewhere but where?