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.

 

 
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