Question
Why heavy stable nucleus must contain more neutrons than protons? What is the effect on neutron to proton ratio in a nucleus when
(i) an electron is emitted
(ii) a positron is emitted?
Solution
Heavy nuclei generally have neutron to proton ratio lower than 1. In order to be stable, the neutron to proton ratio must approach 1. Hence, heavy stable nucleus must contain more neutrons than protons.
(i) When an electron is emitted, neutron to proton ratio decreaes.
(ii) Neutron to proton ratio decreases when positron is emitted.
(i) When an electron is emitted, neutron to proton ratio decreaes.
(ii) Neutron to proton ratio decreases when positron is emitted.
