The type of nuclear decay an unstable nucleus will undergo depends on its ratio of neutrons to protons. The radioisotope cobalt-65 has a ratio of neutrons to protons of 1.41, which is too high for a nucleus of this size. What nuclear changes could reduce this ratio? a. an increase in the number of protons b. removing electrons from the valence shellc. conversion of one or more protons to electrons d. a decrease in atomic number e. conversion of one or more neutrons to protons

E

Explanation:

Beta decay refers to the conversion of a neutron to a proton, an electron and a neutrino. The conversion of a neutron to an proton reduces the N/P ratio. More protons implies a lesser ratio.

a. an increase in the number of protons

c. conversion of one or more protons to electrons

d. a decrease in atomic number

e. conversion of one or more neutrons to protons

Explanation:

a. an increase in the number of protons will affect the ratio which relies on number of protons

b. removing electrons from the valence shell will not affect the ratio because electrons do not form part of the ratio

c. conversion of one or more protons to electrons will affect the ratio which relies on number of protons

d. a decrease in atomic number will will affect the ratio which relies on number of protons, which is another name for atomic number.

e. conversion of one or more neutrons to protons will affect the ratio which relies on number of protons