Not quite true. For increasing atomic numbers stability requires more neutrons than protons. If the ratio is too large or too small, there will be decay.Fabian901 said:I've started studying physics at a basic level and I've ready that beta decay takes place when the number of neutrons exceed the number of protons in a nucleus. Why does this excess number of neutrons compared to protons make the nucleus unstable?
Also, what does an unstable nucleus mean?
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable nucleus emits a beta particle, which can be either an electron or a positron. This process occurs in order to reach a more stable state.
Beta decay occurs because the nucleus of an atom is unstable due to an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons. In order to reach a more stable state, the nucleus emits a beta particle, which changes the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Beta positive decay, also known as positron emission, occurs when a proton in the nucleus is transformed into a neutron, and a positron is emitted. Beta negative decay, also known as electron capture, occurs when an electron is captured by the nucleus, causing a proton to turn into a neutron.
In beta negative decay, the atomic number increases by one due to the conversion of a neutron into a proton. In beta positive decay, the atomic number decreases by one due to the conversion of a proton into a neutron. However, the mass number remains the same in both cases.
Beta decay has various practical applications, such as in nuclear power plants, where it is used to generate electricity. It is also used in medical imaging and cancer treatment, as well as in industrial processes such as thickness measurement and sterilization.