The isotopes are all stable, while is radioactive. The mode of decay for is most likely to be

Question

The isotopes  are all stable, while  is radioactive. The mode of decay for  is most likely to be

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that one of the isotopes is radioactive implies that it undergoes decay. The most common types of radioactive decay are α decay, β decay, and γ decay. Positron decay and electron capture are both specific types of β decay. Given that the isotope in question is unstable, α decay can be immediately ruled out as it only occurs for highly unstable isotopes. Additionally, there is no mention of gamma rays in the question stem, so γ decay can be ruled out as well. Therefore, the most likely mode of decay for this isotope is β decay, which includes both positron decay and electron capture. However, given that the question asks for the "most likely" mode, the correct choice is E - β decay - as β decay is much more common than positron decay or electron capture.

The Isotopes Are All Stable, While Is Radioactive