The Stability of Fe with Respect to Alpha, β

question 24

Multiple Choice

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.