Chapter 15, Problem 118QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of radioactive decay is to be determined for a nuclide that lies above the band of stability.

Introduction:

The ratio of neutrons to protons $\frac{N}{Z}$ is helpful in predicting nuclear stability. Stable nuclides have a $\frac{N}{Z}$ ratio of 1. Radioactivity results from unstable $\frac{N}{Z}$ ratios. $\frac{N}{Z}$ ratio for stable atoms gradually increases with the increasing atomic number. The band of stability is the region where all the stable nuclei are found.