Show that `._(92)^(230)U` does not decay by emitting a neutron or proton. Given:
`M(._(92)^(230)U)=230.033927 am u, M(._(92)^(230)U)=229.033496 am u`,
`M(._(92)^(229)Pa)=229.032089 am u, M(n)=1.008665 am u`
`m(p)=1.007825 am u`.

Explanation

The correseponding decay equtions would be
(a) `._(92)^(230)U rarr n + ._(92)^(229)U`
(b) `._(92)^(230)U rarr n + ._(91)^(229)U`
In the first equation, the energy released can be given by
`Q =[230.033927 -229.033496 -1.008665] xx 931.2`
`= -7.7 MeV`
Because` Q lt0`, neutron decay is not possible spontaneously. Similarly, in the second equation, the energy released can be given us
`Q =[230.033927 -229.032089 -1.007825] xx 931.5`
`= -5.6 MeV`
As`Q lt`0, proton decay is also not possible spontaneously.