Question

Co-56 undergoes positron decay. What is the product nucleus? Enter your answer using the same format, i.e, symbol-mass number

Answer 1

Answer: The product nucleus after beta - plus decay of Co-56 is $_{26}^{56}\textrm{Fe}$

Explanation: There are 3 types of decay processes:

1) alpha decay: In these processes, the released particles are alpha.

2) beta-minus decay: In these processes, neutron gets converted to proton and electron. The released particles are beta-particles.

3) beta-plus decay: In these processes, proton gets converted to neutron and electron. The released particles are positron-particles.

For beta-plus decay of $_{27}^{56}\textrm{Co}$ , equation follows:

$_{27}^{56}\textrm{Co}\rightarrow _{26}^{56}\textrm{Fe}+_{+1}^0\beta$

The product nucleus after beta - plus decay of Co-56 is $_{26}^{56}\textrm{Fe}$