The most likely decay mode (or modes) of the unstable nuclide would be
A) positron production.
B) ($\alpha$-particle production).
C) ($\beta$ emission).
D) electron capture.
E) either positron production or electron capture or both.

Question

The most likely decay mode (or modes) of the unstable nuclide  would be
A) positron production. 
B) ($\alpha$-particle production). 
C) ($\beta$ emission). 
D) electron capture. 
E) either positron production or electron capture or both.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unstable nuclide has an excess of neutrons and is therefore likely to undergo beta decay, which includes both positron production and electron capture. Therefore, the most likely decay mode(s) are either positron production, electron capture, or both. Option B is not a possible decay mode as it is not a recognized particle.

The Most Likely Decay Mode (Or Modes) of the Unstable α\alphaα

The Most Likely Decay Mode (Or Modes) of the Unstable $\alpha$