Predict a likely mode of decay for each unstable nuclide. b. Ru-90

Video transcript

Hey everyone, we're asked to identify the expected mode of decay for rhodium 1 12. Now, if we go ahead and look at our periodic tables, we find that rhodium atomic number comes up to and we know that the stability of an isotope depends on the ratio of its neutrons to protons. and since our atomic number is in between 40 and 80 Then our N oversee ratio must be equal to 1.50 in order to be considered stable. So let's go ahead and calculate our n oversee ratio And we can do so by taking our mass number and subtracting our atomic number and then we can divide this all by our atomic number. So plugging in our values, we get 112 -45 and then we will divide it all by 45. This will get us a value of 1.48. As we can see we're less than that value of 1. Which means we're below the Valley of Stability, which is that 1.50 value. And since we are below that means we have too many protons in our isotope. So our motive decay will either be positron emission or electron capture. So our answer here is going to be G C or D. So I hope that made sense. And let us know if you have any questions