Match the column: Column I (Mode of decay) with Column II (Effect on n/p ratio) — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$\alpha$-decay removes 2 protons and 2 neutrons; for heavy nuclei, this usually increases the $n/p$ ratio (A $\to$ P). $\beta$-decay converts a neutron into a proton, which decreases the $n/p$ ratio (B $\to$ Q). $\gamma$-decay is the emission of energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons, so the ratio remains unchanged (C $\to$ R). Positron decay and K-capture both convert a proton into a neutron, thereby increasing the $n/p$ ratio (D $\to$ P, E $\to$ P). Therefore, correct answer is A-P; B-Q; C-R; D-P; E-P.