Which outcome results when an isotope's binding energy decreases?

💡 Explanation

A decreasing binding energy per nucleon implies a less stable nucleus, because spontaneous alteration to a more stable state is favoured; therefore radioactive decay becomes more likely, rather than fusion which requires increased binding energy, or stability which would require higher binding throughout.

• Which outcome occurs when airspeed exceeds design limits on commercial aircraft wings?
• Which mechanism causes decreased conductivity across a semiconductor p-n junction when reverse biased?
• Which radiological outcome occurs when nuclear fuel enrichment drops?
• Which flow outcome results when Reynold's equation exceeds viscosity limits within an aircraft's microfluidic cooling system?
• Which efficiency loss occurs when a turbojet engine's turbine overheats?
• Which outcome occurs when a polymer composite material is exposed to sustained ultraviolet radiation?