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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the processes of radioactive decay and nuclear binding energy, specifically comparing the transitions from nuclei P to Q and S to R. Participants are exploring which process is more likely to occur based on stability and binding energy considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of nuclear binding energy on stability and question the direction of potential reactions. There is an exploration of the conditions under which a nucleus becomes more stable and the relationship between binding energy and stability.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the conditions necessary for stability and questioning the assumptions made about the processes involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between binding energy and stability, but there is no explicit consensus on the preferred reaction pathway.

Contextual Notes

There are questions about the definitions and implications of radioactive decay, particularly regarding the increase in the number of nucleons, which may not align with typical decay processes.

desmond iking
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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

 

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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.
 
Last edited:
To achieve more stable atom either p to q or r to s will occur...
 
Buy why the ans is p to q ?
 
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.
 
Do the problem actually mentions "radioactive decay"?
How is a decay in which the number of nucleons increases?
 

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