The Stability of Atomic Nuclei (20.1.2)

Question 1

• Stable nuclei form a band of stability on a plot of number of protons versus number of neutrons.

Answer 1

• Stable nuclei form a band of stability on a plot of number of protons versus number of neutrons.

Question 2

• Nuclei above the band of stability tend to undergo beta decay, while nuclei below the band of stability tend to undergo positron emission or electron capture.

Answer 2

• Nuclei above the band of stability tend to undergo beta decay, while nuclei below the band of stability tend to undergo positron emission or electron capture.

Question 3

• Heavy nuclei can undergo alpha decay.

Answer 3

• Heavy nuclei can undergo alpha decay.