Chapter 25, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To write the equation for the decay of $\text{H}$

Concept introduction:

The number of protons to neutrons ratio is considered as N/Z ratio. The increase in this ratio increases the atomic number.

As Z isthe atomic number of the element if small is said to occupy the first three shells. For hydrogen it is zero, Helium is 0.5 and for calcium is 1. The radioactive decay changes the N/Z ratio to enhance stability. Alpha decay changes the N/Z ratio making it greater than 1 and beta decay decreases the ratio while the positron emission decreases the ratio as well.