Multiple choice

A nuclide-X has too low n/p ratio and thus, undergoes _______ to produce a nuclide with a neutron-to-proton ratio higher than it.

  1. gamma radioactive decay

  2. electron capture

  3. beta decay

  4. alpha decay

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The final type of beta decay is known as electron capture and also occurs when the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus is too small. The nucleus captures an electron which basically turns a proton into a neutron. E.g. beryllium-7.

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