Q. A radioactive nucleus $^A_ZX$ undergoes spontaneous decay in the sequence $^A_ZX \rightarrow\ _{Z-1}B \rightarrow\ _{Z-3}C \rightarrow\ _{Z-2}D$, where Z is the atomic number of element X. The possible decay particles in the sequence are:
A) $\alpha, \beta^+, \beta^-$
B) $\beta^+, \alpha, \beta^-$
C) $\beta^-, \alpha, \beta^+$
D) $\alpha, \beta^-, \beta^+$
Explanation
[Solution] Z to Z-1 is $\beta^+$; Z-1 to Z-3 is $\alpha$; Z-3 to Z-2 is $\beta^-$. Answer (2).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.