Calculating the Mass Difference for Beta Plus Decay: 13N → 13C + e+ + ve

In summary, the mass difference of the process 13N → 13C + e+ + ve is equal to the mass of a proton minus the mass of a neutron minus the mass of an electron, which is a constant that is less than zero. This means that the energy of all beta decay processes is negative, but the exact value depends on the specific isotopes involved.
  • #1
sunrah
199
22

Homework Statement


What is the mass difference of the following process:
13N → 13C + e+ + ve

Homework Equations


Δm = m(A,Z) - m(A, Z-1) - m(e+)

Neutrino has negligible mass.
Z proton number
A = N + Z, where N is number of neutrons

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]
\begin{align}
\Delta m &= m(^{13}N) - m(^{13}C) - m(e^{+})\\
&= (7\cdot m_{p} + 6\cdot m_{n}) - (6\cdot m_{p} + 7\cdot m_{n}) - m_{e}\\
&= m_{p} - m_{n} - m_{e} = const < 0
\end{align}
[/itex]

so the energy of all beta decay is the same and negative?
 
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  • #2
sunrah said:
[itex]
\begin{align}
\Delta m &= m(^{13}N) - m(^{13}C) - m(e^{+})\\
\end{align}
[/itex]
It is a long time since my first year physics, but I reckon you need the isotopic mass of each of these isotopes, at this point. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotopes_of_carbon

so the energy of all beta decay is the same and negative?
My money's on "NO". :smile:
 

1. What is beta plus decay?

Beta plus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a neutron, resulting in the emission of a positron (e+) and a neutrino (ve). This process occurs when the ratio of protons to neutrons in the nucleus is too high, causing the nucleus to become unstable.

2. How is the mass difference for beta plus decay calculated?

The mass difference for beta plus decay is calculated using Einstein's famous equation E=mc², where E represents the energy released during the decay, m is the mass difference between the parent and daughter nuclei, and c is the speed of light.

3. What is the significance of calculating the mass difference for beta plus decay?

The mass difference for beta plus decay is an important factor in understanding the stability and properties of nuclei. It also allows scientists to predict the energy released during the decay process and to determine the half-life of the radioactive isotope.

4. Can the mass difference for beta plus decay be negative?

No, the mass difference for beta plus decay cannot be negative. According to Einstein's equation, the mass difference (m) must always be a positive value, since energy (E) and the speed of light (c) are constants.

5. How is the mass difference for beta plus decay experimentally determined?

The mass difference for beta plus decay is experimentally determined using techniques such as mass spectrometry or nuclear reactions. These methods involve measuring the masses of the parent and daughter nuclei before and after the decay, and then calculating the difference between the two masses.

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