The element uranium (U,atomic no.= 92)often has 146 (or more)neutrons but it will still undergo radioactive decay.Which statement might best describe why?
A)The attractive force of the nucleons has a limited range.
B)The isolated neutron is not stable and will undergo spontaneous transformation into a proton and an electron.
C)The force is strong with U,but tainted with the dark side it is.
D)both A and B
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A is correct because the attractive force between nucleons (protons and neutrons) has a limited range and can weaken over a distance. This means that if there are too many neutrons in a nucleus, the attractive force may not be strong enough to hold the nucleus together, and radioactive decay will occur.

Option B is also correct because isolated neutrons are not stable and can decay into a proton and an electron through a process called beta decay.

Therefore, both options A and B are necessary to explain why a uranium nucleus with 146 or more neutrons can still undergo radioactive decay.

The Element Uranium (U,atomic No