Chapter 30, Problem 23Q

To determine

Effect of absence of ß+ emitters in the radioactive decay series

Answer to Problem 23Q

Solution:

Nuclei in radioactive decay series is not away from the line of stability in absence of ß+ emitters.

Explanation of Solution

The radioactive decay series starts with a nucleus which has more number of neutrons than protons. This nucleus lies far above from line of stability. The decay can remove the 2 protons as well as 2 neutrons, but neutrons will be in very small percentage for smaller stable nuclei. In case of ß+ decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, which would lead to nuclei in radioactive decay series will be further away from the line of stability. For this reason, ß+ decay not preferred.