What is the nuclear equation for the decay of carbon-14?

 

¹⁴C ? ¹⁴N + ⁰β^-

^{6 7 -1}

Step-by-step explanation

When there are too many neutrons in a nucleus, a neutron to proton conversion occurs.  This releases an electron or beta particle.  Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay to the stable nitrogen-14 isotope. It produces a nitrogen atom since it has the same mass with carbon-14.

¹⁴C ? ¹⁴N + ⁰β^-

^{6 7 -1}

The equation should be balanced on the reactant side and the products side.

For the Carbon-14:

Top = 14

Bottom = 6 ; these should be balanced to the products side.

For products side (Nitrogen-14 and beta particle)

Top = 14 + 0 = 14

Bottom = 7 + (-1) = 6