An isotope which has too high a neutron-proton ratio can gain stability by:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both beta emission and proton emission decrease the neutron-proton ratio of an isotope, leading to increased stability. Beta emission involves the conversion of a neutron to a proton and the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron). Proton emission involves the emission of a proton from the nucleus, which also decreases the neutron-proton ratio. K-capture and gamma emission do not affect the neutron-proton ratio, and alpha emission actually increases it.

An Isotope Which Has Too High a Neutron-Proton Ratio Can