Question

Problem #1b (10 points) The stability of with respect to alpha, beta-plus and beta-minus decay is to be determined. The following atomic masses are known: Is the nucleus subject to beta-plus decay only, beta-minus decay only, beta-minus or betaplus, alpha-decay only, or none of these? Explain why. Show your work for full credit.

He: 4.002603 u

P: 31.973907 u

S: 35.967081 u

Cl: 35.968307 u

Ar: 35.967546 u

Answer 1

Identity Charge Mass (amu) helium nucleus +2 4.001506 Symbol za °B or B- or electron -1 0.000549 photon neutron 0 1.008665 proton +1 1.007276 ip 41B or 8+ positron +1 0.000549

Answer: Chlorine is subject to beta-plus or beta-minus decay, but not to alpha decay.