A plot of the number of neutrons (NV) against the number of protons (P) of stable nuclei exhibits upward deviation from linearity for atomic number, Z > 20. For an unstable nucleus having N/P ratio less than 1, the possible mode(s) of decay is(are)

A

$$\beta^{-}$$ decay ($$\beta$$ emission)

B

orbital or K-electron capture

C

neutron emission

D

$$\beta^{+}$$ decay (positron emission)