Which statement explains why some elements decay and others do not? a)elements that decay have fewer than 50 protons. b)elements that decay have an equal number of protons and neutrons. c)elements that decay have a proton to neutron ratio that is too high or too low. d)elements that decay have too many electrons relative to the number of neutrons.

Option (C) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Decay occurs when an atom is unstable. And an atom is unstable when it has great difference in the number of protons and neutrons or very low ratio of number of protons and neutrons.

This is because when the difference in the ratio of number of protons and neutrons is too high or low then forces will not be balanced. As a result, atom will become unstable causing decay. Whereas atoms in which ratio of protons and neutrons is similar then the atom will be stable and it will not decay easily.

Therefore, we can conclude that the statement elements which decay have a proton to neutron ratio that is too high or too low, best explains why some elements decay and others do not.