Radioactive Decay: P to Q vs. S to R?

[desmond iking]

Homework Statement

the variation of nuclear binding energy per nucelon of nuclei P , Q , R and S are shown.
Which process most likely to occur?

the ans is P to Q ... why not S to R ?

both
P to Q and S to R involve formation of unstable nucleus to more stable nucleus...

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[henxan]

1. Radioactive decay is the process fission. What will this do with the number of nucleons?
Your answer to this should tell you which way any likely reaction would go, either:

• S $\rightarrow$ R and Q $\rightarrow$ P.
• S $\leftarrow$ R and Q $\leftarrow$ P.

2. To achieve a more stable atom, that is a resulting atom with a higher binding energy, which way will the respective reactions go?

As soon as you know the answer to these two conditions, only one possible option will remain :)...

H.

 

[desmond iking]

To achieve more stable atom either p to q or r to s will occur...

 

[desmond iking]

Buy why the ans is p to q ?

 

[henxan]

I think you need to read my previous reply a bit more careful ;)..

Both 1. and 2. Has to be fulfilled.. Also, your statement about stability, are both correct? Remember, higher binding energy $\rightarrow$ more stable.

 

[nasu]

Do the problem actually mentions "radioactive decay"?
How is a decay in which the number of nucleons increases?