Why Can't Neutron Emission Occur in K(40,19) Decay?

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Amith2006
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Homework Statement


1)Neutron emission is not a possible mode of decay for K(40,19).Why?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think it is because the neutron to proton ratio for potassium(40,19) is almost unity(more precisely N/P=1.1). So, neutron emission is not a mode of decay to gain stability. Is it right?
 
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No. You have to look at the nucleus it would decay to, and compare masses.
 
Meir Achuz said:
No. You have to look at the nucleus it would decay to, and compare masses.

I found the Q value of the reaction and obtained a negative value(-7.8 MeV).
K(40,19)---> K(39,19) + neutron
So, it doesn't have sufficient energy for neutron emission to take place. Is that what u meant?