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Physics · Unit 1 · Ionising radiation and nuclear reactions · Nuclear model and stability

Explain how an excess of mass, protons, or neutrons in a nucleus can result in alpha, beta positive and beta negative decay.

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Question 1

The decay pathway diagram shows three different isotopes undergoing radioactive decay. Which isotope undergoes beta negative decay and why?

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Question 2

What nuclear imbalance leads to beta negative decay in an unstable nucleus?

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Question 3

What type of radioactive decay is most likely to occur in a nucleus with a significant excess of neutrons compared to protons?

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