Explain with an example, whether the neutron-proton ratio in a nucleus increases or decreases due to beta (P) decay.

Solution

Neutron to proton ratio of an atomic nucleus is the ratio of the number of neutrons to it's number of protons. This ratio generally increases with increase in atomic number, in a stable nuclei.

Beta decay decreases the ratio of neutron to proton.

e.g., ${}_{6}^{14}C \to {}_{7}^{14}N + e^{-} + \bar{ν_{e}}$

It is clearly visible that the neutron-proton decreases.