Q72 / 90 · JEE Main 2010 · Physics

A radioactive nucleus (initial mass number $A$ and atomic number Z) emits $3 \alpha$-particles and 2 positrons. The ratio of number of neutrons to that of protons in the final nucleus will be

  • A
    $\frac{A-Z-8}{Z-4}$
  • Correct answer
    B
    $\frac{A-Z-4}{Z-8}$
  • C
    $\frac{A-Z-12}{Z-4}$
  • D
    $\frac{A-Z-4}{Z-2}$

Solution

In positive beta decay a proton is transformed into a neutron and a positron is emitted. $$ \mathrm{p}^{+} \longrightarrow \mathrm{n}^0+\mathrm{e}^{+} $$ no. of neutrons initially was $A-Z$ no. of neutrons after decay $(A-Z)-3 \times 2$ (due to alpha particles) $+2 \times 1$ (due to positive beta decay) The no. of proton will reduce by 8 . [as $3 \times 2$ (due to alpha particles) $+2$ (due to positive beta decay)] Hence atomic number reduces by 8 .

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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