Question:

n/p ratio during positron decay:

Show Hint

\(\beta^+\) decay: \(p \rightarrow n\) \(\Rightarrow\) \(n\) increases, \(p\) decreases \(\Rightarrow\) \(n/p\) ratio increases.
Updated On: Apr 16, 2026
  • increases
  • decreases
  • remains constant
  • All of these
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Positron emission (\(\beta^+\) decay) is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton inside the nucleus is converted into a neutron, a positron (\(e^+\)), and a neutrino (\(\nu\)): \[ p \rightarrow n + e^+ + \nu \]

Step 1:
Effect on proton and neutron numbers.
• Number of protons (\(Z\)) decreases by 1
• Number of neutrons (\(N\)) increases by 1
• Mass number (\(A = N + Z\)) remains constant

Step 2:
Effect on \(n/p\) ratio. Initial \(n/p\) ratio = \(\frac{N}{Z}\). After decay: \[ n' = N + 1,\quad p' = Z - 1 \] \[ \frac{n'}{p'} = \frac{N+1}{Z-1}>\frac{N}{Z} \] The \(n/p\) ratio increases because the number of neutrons increases while the number of protons decreases.

Step 3:
Conclusion. During positron decay, the \(n/p\) ratio increases.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0