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An atom that undergoes radioactive decay and has a large nucleus most likely has:

A) a neutron number higher than the proton number.
B) a proton number higher than the neutron number.
C) an electron number higher than the proton number.
D) a proton number higher than the electron number.

User Doroshko
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2 Answers

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Answer: The atom that undergoes radioactive decay and has a large nucleus most likely has a neutron number higher than the proton number.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unstable isotopes are defined as the isotopes which have more number of neutrons as compared to the stable form of an atom.

These isotopes attain stability by undergoing a spontaneous nuclear decay. The isotopes which are unstable are also known as radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.

There are 4 types of radioactive decay by which an unstable nucleus attains stability. They are alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay and positron decay.

Hence, the atom that undergoes radioactive decay and has a large nucleus most likely has a neutron number higher than the proton number.

User Pavlo Zhukov
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4 votes

Answer: a high neutron proton ratio

Step-by-step explanation:

User Muaaz Salagar
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