Use the equation to answer the prompt.

6 ^ 10 C 5 ^ 10 B+ +1 ^ 0 e

A student claims that the equation models beta-minus decay because the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by one. In one or two sentences, explain the error in the student's reasoning.

(2 points)

The student's reasoning is incorrect because beta-minus decay actually involves an increase in atomic number by one, not a decrease. In beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase in atomic number.