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Brewer
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Homework Statement
The nuclear reaction [tex]^63_29[/tex]Cu(p,n) [tex]^63_30[/tex]Zn is immeadiately followed by [tex]/Beta^+[/tex]. Write the equation for this [tex]/Beta^+[/tex] decay.
If the maximum energy of the positrons is 2.36 MeV, find the Q value of the original (p,n) reaction.
Homework Equations
[tex]Q=[M(A,Z) - M(A,Z-1) -2m_e]c^2[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
Decay chain:
First: Copper + proton ---> Zinc + neutron
Second: Zinc ---> Copper + positron + neutrino
So Zinc can be substituted into the first equation to give that:
proton ---> neutron + positron + neutrino
Now I get confused. I pulled the above equation from my notes, and I know that its the energy of the system, but other than that I don't understand.
I've spoken to my lecturer about it, but he didn't make much sense with it so I'm hoping one of you could help me better with it.
As I understand it [tex]Q_{tot} = Q_1 + Q_2[/tex] where Q_2 is the second decay, given by the previous equation, but can be assumed to be the max KE of the positrons (as the neutrion is massless etc). But then I get stuck, as I can't see how I'd find the total energy of the system, much less the energy of the original (p,n) reaction.
Could someone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Brewer