I challenge noone can answer my question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the stability of atomic nuclei during beta decay, specifically addressing the misconception that beta decay inherently destabilizes the nucleus. It is established that the nucleus, such as that of nitrogen with 7 protons, maintains stability despite carrying a positive charge. The conversation highlights the roles of the weak force and strong force in maintaining nuclear stability, even after beta decay occurs. Examples include the beta decay of Radium 228 to Actinium 228 and Actinium 288 to Thorium 228, illustrating varying stability outcomes post-decay.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Familiarity with beta decay processes in nuclear physics.
  • Knowledge of fundamental forces in physics, specifically weak and strong nuclear forces.
  • Basic grasp of half-life concepts in radioactive decay.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of the weak force in nuclear reactions.
  • Study the strong force and its impact on nuclear stability.
  • Explore detailed examples of beta decay and their implications on atomic stability.
  • Investigate half-life calculations and their applications in nuclear physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students of nuclear physics, physicists specializing in atomic structure, and anyone interested in the principles of radioactive decay and nuclear stability.

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in nucleus
neutron--------------->proton & electron

electron is emited as B RAY WHILE proton is in nucleus then nucleus must carry +ve charge & it should b unstable but it is stable howwwww
 
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mayurr12 said:
in nucleus
neutron--------------->proton & electron

electron is emited as B RAY WHILE proton is in nucleus then nucleus must carry +ve charge & it should b unstable but it is stable howwwww
The nucleus always carries a positive charge whether beta decay occurs or not. For instance, the nucleus of a nitrogen atom, contains 7 protons. That means it carries a charge of +7e and yet it is stable. I explain why in the next paragraph. On the other hand, the nucleus of a carbon atom contains 6 protons and carries a charge of +6e. It is stable as well. After the beta decay of a carbon nucleus, it becomes nitrogen with 7 protons in the nucleus. This nucleus is indistinguishable from any other nitrogen nucleus and is just as stable as they are.

The electromagnetic forces in the nucleus do tend to make it unstable. In that sense, you are right to expect that the nucleus might become more unstable after beta decay. Indeed, in some cases that is exactly what happens. However, there are other forces in the nucleus that are sufficient to overcome that tendency. These are called the weak force and the strong force.

Here are some examples of beta decay:
Radium 228 has a half life of close to 6 years. By beta decay it becomes actinium 228 with a half life of just over 6 hours. So as you expected, the nucleus become less stable.

Actinium 288 beta decays into Thorium 228 which has a half life of nearly two years. So in this case an unstable nucleus decays into one that is more stable.

I got these figures from this site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Thorium_series

Although beta decay does not necessarily render the nucleus unstable, it does turn an atom into a positive ion. The ion is unstable and will pick up an electron in what might be called a kind of decay (such language is very loose, and if the nucleus is in a molecule things get fuzzier). Perhaps this is what you meant.
 
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