Answer the following 3 questions on the basis of the given below paragraph.
The size of the nucleus of an atom is very small since its radius is nearly
m. The nucleus comprised mainly of protons and neutrons is quite often stable despite the very strong repulsive forces between the protons. The neutrons and protons, collectively called nucleons, are held together by very strong and short range forces, called nuclear forces. Nuclear forces are nearly
times stronger than electrostatic forces. These forces come into play by very rapid exchange of nuclear particles, called
-mesons.

The binding forces between unlike nucleons (p and n) are explained by the oscillation of a charged pi meson (
and
). Binding forces between like nucleons (p-p or n-n) result from the exchange of neutral mesons (
).
The stability of nucleus very much depends on the ratio of neutrons to protons (n/p ratio). This ratio for stable nuclei is close to unity for lighter elements whereas for heavier elements it ranges between 1ā1.5. If n/p ratio is either too high or too low, the nucleus of such elements are expected to be unstable in nature. In order to acquire stability they emit
,
or some other particles and thus show the radioactivity.
In radioactive disintegration the daughter nuclei have different atomic number than the parent nulei. The nature of emitted particle (
or
) depends on the n/p ratio of the parent nuclei and so also the atomic number of daughter nuclei. Thus , daughter nuclei find different position in the periodic table than those of parent elements.
Which of the following particles is most likely to be emitted by Na-24?