Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay, each characterized by the type of particle or energy released. Understanding the nature of the radionuclide helps predict the decay mode it will undergo.
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Rate of Radioactive Decay
Alpha and Beta Decay
Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), resulting in a decrease in atomic number by two and mass number by four. Beta decay occurs when a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron or positron), which increases the atomic number by one. The type of decay depends on the neutron-to-proton ratio in the nucleus.
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Stability of Nuclei
The stability of a nucleus is influenced by the balance between protons and neutrons, known as the neutron-to-proton ratio. Nuclei with too many or too few neutrons compared to protons tend to be unstable and undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration. For copper-68, analyzing its neutron-to-proton ratio helps determine its decay process.
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Intepreting the Band of Stability