$A$ nuclear decay is possible if the mass of the parent nucleus exceeds the total mass of the decay particles. If $M(A, Z)$ denotes the mass of a single neutral atom of an element with mass number $A$ and atomic number $Z$,then the minimal condition that the $\beta^{-}$ decay $X_Z^A \rightarrow Y_{Z+1}^A + \beta^{-} + \bar{\nu}_e$ will occur is ($m_e$ denotes the mass of the $\beta^{-}$ particle and the neutrino mass $m_{\nu}$ can be neglected).

  • A
    $M(A, Z) > M(A, Z+1) + m_e$
  • B
    $M(A, Z) > M(A, Z+1)$
  • C
    $M(A, Z) > M(A, Z+1) + Z m_e$
  • D
    $M(A, Z) > M(A, Z+1) - m_e$

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The nucleus $_{10}^{23} Ne$ decays by $\beta^{-}$ emission. Write down the $\beta^{-}$-decay equation and determine the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted. Given that:
$m(_{10}^{23} Ne) = 22.994466 \; u$
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Consider the following two statements:
$A.$ The energy spectrum of $\alpha-$ particles emitted in radioactive decay is discrete.
$B.$ The energy spectrum of $\beta-$ particles emitted in radioactive decay is continuous.

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