Write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of Hg-202.

²⁰²Hg₈₀ > ²⁰²Tl₈₁ + ⁰₋₁e

Explanation:

The radioactive decay of the atom of an element by the emission of a beta-particle is equivalent to the splitting of a neutron in the nucleus of the radioactive element into an electron and a proton. The proton is retained by the nucleus whereas the electron is emitted as a beta-particle. This retention of the proton results in an increase of the atomic number by 1. A beta-particle is an electron. The electron is a very light particle and its loss makes no significant change in the mass number of the atom involved.

The beta decay of Hg-202 results in an increase of the atomic number from 8-0 to 81. Hence, Hg-202 is transformed to Tl-202. the balanced nuclear equation is given below:

²⁰²Hg₈₀ > ²⁰²Tl₈₁ + ⁰₋₁e

the positions which points up in upward carbon and down in downward carbon are axial

and vice versa holds true for equatorial positions

so the correct answer with labelled diagram will be