Interaction of radiation with matter

In summary, the problem statement is about calculating the momentum and energy of the products in a reaction involving 7Be4 and an electron. Relevant equations include p = mv, and the mass of 7Be and 7Li. The attempt at a solution involves using momentum and energy conservation, but the question does not provide information about the velocity of the daughter nucleus. However, it is not necessary as the neutrino is ultrarelativistic and should be treated like a photon. The energy-momentum relation for photons should be used instead.
  • #1
Catty
4
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1. Problem statement

i am trying to calculate the momentum and energy of the products in the reaction

7Be4 + e -----> 7Li3 + neutrino

2. Relavant equations

p = mv
mass of 7Be = 7.016929 u
mass of 7Li = 7.016004 u 3. The attempt at a solution

i know that after the electron capture, the neutrino and the daughter nucleas will move in opposite directions with the same momentum magnitude, and so form momentum coservation

mv(Li) = mv(neutrino)

but how do i go about findig the 'v' of Lithium in order to calculate its momentum, mv. the question does not give any info on 'v'. ? Do i even need the value of 'v' or not. So that i can then put that 'v' into the equation of finding the energy of the daughter nucleas as:

1/2 * m(Li)*v^2(Li) = ( m(neutrino)/m(Li) ) * E(neutrino)

am i actually in the right path, i would greatly appreciate any directions?
 
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  • #2
Where do you use energy conservation? It is important here, together with momentum conservation.

the question does not give any info on 'v'.
It does not have to.

The neutrino is ultrarelativistic, you cannot use the nonrelativistic momentum. Treat it like photons instead. Do you know the energy-momentum relation for photons?
 
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  • #3
* The momentum of the neutrino is not going to be mv because it will be a relativistic particle.

* Did you apply energy conservation?
 
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  • #4
ohhh, Thank you, it's E^2 = (pc)^2 + (m0*c^2)^2

will apply it , hadn't considered the relativistic issue...
 

1. What is radiation and how does it interact with matter?

Radiation is a form of energy that travels in the form of waves or particles. It can interact with matter in three main ways: absorption, scattering, and ionization. In absorption, the radiation is absorbed by the matter and its energy is transferred to the particles within it. In scattering, the radiation is deflected in different directions as it passes through matter. In ionization, the radiation causes atoms or molecules to lose or gain electrons, creating charged particles.

2. How do different types of radiation interact with matter?

Different types of radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma rays, interact with matter in different ways. Alpha particles, which are large and heavy, can be stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta particles, which are smaller and lighter, can be stopped by a sheet of aluminum. Gamma rays, which are the most energetic type of radiation, can penetrate through many materials and are often stopped by thick layers of lead or concrete.

3. What is the significance of the energy of the radiation in its interaction with matter?

The energy of the radiation is an important factor in how it interacts with matter. Higher energy radiation, such as gamma rays, can penetrate deeper into matter and cause more damage, while lower energy radiation, such as alpha particles, interact more strongly with matter and cause damage in a smaller area.

4. How does the type of matter affect the interaction with radiation?

The type of matter can greatly affect how radiation interacts with it. For example, dense materials like lead or concrete are better at stopping high energy radiation, while lighter materials like air or water are less effective. In addition, the atomic structure of matter can also influence the type of interactions that occur with radiation.

5. How does the interaction of radiation with matter impact biological systems?

The interaction of radiation with matter can have significant effects on biological systems, as living cells are made up of complex molecules that can be damaged by radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause mutations, cell death, and even cancer. However, low levels of radiation are a natural part of our environment and can also be beneficial, such as in medical imaging or cancer treatment.

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