Which of the following nuclides is most likely to undergo beta decay?

• A. Carbon-14 (^{14}C)
• B. Oxygen-16 (^{16}O)
• C. Uranium-238 (^{238}U)
• D. Helium-4 (^{4}He)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that beta decay occurs when a nucleus has an imbalance in its neutron-to-proton ratio, typically when there are too many neutrons compared to protons, causing a neutron to convert into a proton while emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.
2. Examine each nuclide's neutron-to-proton ratio by subtracting the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (total protons + neutrons) to find the number of neutrons, then compare the ratio of neutrons to protons.
3. For Carbon-14 (\(^{14}C\)), calculate the number of protons (6) and neutrons (14 - 6 = 8), giving a neutron-to-proton ratio of \(\frac{8}{6}\), which is greater than 1, indicating neutron excess.
4. For Oxygen-16 (\(^{16}O\)), Uranium-238 (\(^{238}U\)), and Helium-4 (\(^{4}He\)), perform similar calculations and compare their neutron-to-proton ratios to see if they are balanced or have neutron excess or deficiency.
5. Identify the nuclide with a neutron-to-proton ratio that suggests instability due to neutron excess, which makes it most likely to undergo beta decay by converting a neutron into a proton.