Chapter 10, Problem 10A.2BST

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The process in which ${}_{\text{58}}{\text{Ce}}^{\text{148}}$ undergo to reach stability has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Neutron-rich nuclei are nuclei with a high proportion of neutrons.  These nuclei tend to decay in such a way that the final $\text{n/p}$ ratio is closer to that found in the band of stability (black line).  For example, a ${}_{\text{6}}{\text{C}}^{\text{14}}$ nucleus can reach a lower energy by ejecting alpha particle, which reduces the n/p ratio as a result of the conversion of a neutron into a proton.

  ${}_{\text{6}}{\text{C}}^{\text{14}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{7}}{\text{N}}^{\text{14}}{\text{+}}_{\text{-1}}{\text{e}}^{\text{0}}$