by kurt

If the mass number of an isotope is much greater than twice the atomic number, what type of radioactive decay might you expect?

Well, it really depends on what is meant by "much greater". As nuclei get heaver, the mass number for stable isotopes will be much greater than twice the atomic number. Above that band of stability, they will decay by beta-emission. If they are below that band (even if the mass number is much greater than twice the atomic number) they will decay by alpha-emission.

 


 
Read more of   The Yak's Frequently Questioned Answers   (mod.2010-02-10)

428.   What is emo surfing (emosurfing)?   [jake/2006-01-21]
412.   Interested in using Java in Debian?   [jake/2004-08-28]
400.   How can I change which port sshd listens on in Mac OS X 10.3 Panther? (hint: not in sshd_config)   [leif/2004-01-24]
362.   How do I make Internet Explorer download more than 2 files at a time?   [matt/2003-06-17] ( strick/2003-06-21 )
355.   How can I make my debian box into a bad ass media player?   [jake/2003-05-04]
327.   What is a great little script to use when airboxing (wardriving, warchalking, etc)   [jake/2002-10-05]
280.   How do i stop konqueror from opening a new window when i go to a site using a plugin i dont have?   [jesse/2001-10-30]
264.   What started in 1984?   [strick/2001-08-10] ( macki/2001-09-04 robey/2001-08-22 )
262.   Ricochet is dead for now. What are some alternatives?   [rupe/2001-08-07]
232.   Where can i find a stamp sized ethernet web server for (barely)less than $100?   [sidd/2001-05-30]
200.   where can i find a good resource for radio repeaters in norther california   [jesse/2001-03-13]
137.   where can i find docs for radioshack scanners?   [jesse/2000-10-20]
121.   What time is it?   [rupe/2000-09-18] ( josh/2001-04-03 strick/2001-03-10 )
110.   How can I download a new ringtone to my SMS capable phone without having net access?   [rupe/2000-07-09]
101.   Where can I find tech support anecdotes?   [rupe/2000-06-12]
89.   What is the connecton between Karl Marx, Cinco de Mayo, and salsa?   [strick/2000-05-05]
85.   What's another good PCS email utility?   [rupe/2001-03-28]
82.   Can Mice Fly ?   [philbert2k/2000-04-27]
76.   How can I run my 486 25 at 247 mhz?   [jj/2000-04-16]
7.   What is the center of the internet?   [strick/2000-01-19]