Radioactivity: the Stability of Fe with Respect to Alpha

question 45

Multiple Choice

Radioactivity: The stability of Fe with respect to alpha, β⁺, and β^- decay is to be determined. Do not consider the possibility of decay by electron capture. The following atomic masses are known: He: 4.002603 u Cr: 51.944768 u Mn: 55.938907 u Fe: 55.934939 u Co: 55.939841 u The Fe nuclide is

• A) not subject to alpha, β⁺, or β^- decay.
• B) subject to alpha decay only.
• C) subject to β⁺decay only.
• D) subject to β^- decay only.
• E) subject to β⁺ or β^- decay, but not to alpha decay.

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Definitions:

Nitrogen Cycle

A biogeochemical cycle describing the transformations of nitrogen and nitrogen-containing compounds in nature.

Slash-And-Burn Agriculture

A method of agriculture where vegetation is cut down and burned as a technique to clear land for cultivation, but can lead to soil degradation and deforestation.

Stratospheric Ozone

A layer of ozone molecules located in the Earth's stratosphere, protecting life by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

UVB

Ultraviolet B light, a component of sunlight with wavelengths between 280-315 nm, known for its role in vitamin D synthesis and skin tanning.