An atomic nucleus having low $n / p$ ratio tries to find stability by

• A

  the emission of an $\alpha$ -particle
• Correct answer
  B

  the emission of a positron
• C

  capturing an orbital electron (K-electron capture)
• D

  emission of a $\beta$ -particle

Solution

Emission of a positron results in the conversion of a proton into neutron, along with the release of neutrino. Thus, the number of protons decreases and of neutron increases, i.e. $n / p$ ratio increases and the nuclei becomes stable.

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