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The diagram shows the stability curve for nuclear isotopes - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 1
The diagram shows the stability curve for nuclear isotopes. Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer. An isotope above the curve... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the stability curve for nuclear isotopes - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
An isotope above the curve will undergo β- decay because it has:
Answer
The correct answer is D: too many neutrons.
Isotopes located above the stability curve have a neutron-to-proton ratio that is higher than what is considered stable. As a result, they typically undergo beta decay, where a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron) in the process.