Final answer:
To predict the decay mode of iodine-130, the most likely modes would be either B) beta emission or D) electron capture. Beta decay is probable due to the isotope having more neutrons compared to the stable iodine-127 isotope.
Step-by-step explanation:
To predict the mode of decay of iodine-130, we must consider that the only stable isotope of iodine is iodine-127. Typically, when an isotope has more neutrons than the stable isotope, it will undergo beta decay to get rid of an excess neutron by converting it into a proton and emitting an electron (and usually an antineutrino). However, iodine-130 can also go through electron capture because it has a higher atomic number than iodine-127, meaning that it may capture an electron to convert a proton into a neutron, reducing the atomic number to approach stability. Considering the options provided, the most likely mode of decay for iodine-130 would either be beta emission (B) or electron capture (D). As the question doesn't specify the proton to neutron ratio, we cannot decisively choose one option, but based on the higher neutron number, beta decay is more probable.