Beta Decay Rates Changing by Ionization?

In summary, beta decay rates can be affected by ionization, which is the process of adding or removing electrons from an atom. This can occur when an atom interacts with high-energy particles or radiation, causing it to become ionized. The change in the atom's charge can lead to a change in the energy levels of its protons and neutrons, ultimately altering the probability of a beta decay occurring. This phenomenon has been observed in various experiments and has important implications for understanding nuclear reactions and radioactive decay.
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Aakash Sunkari
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I recently read about a beta decay isotope (Rhenium-187),whose half life was changed from 42 X 109 years to 33 years, just by stripping the nucleus of all it's electrons. Why does this allow for a faster decay, and does this apply to all beta decay nuclei, or just Rhenium 187?
 
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Could you give the reference?
 
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Technically all beta- decay rates are influenced by this, but for most nuclei the influence is completely negligible. Re-187 with its extremely small decay energy is a notable exception. While it can decay normally this is a very rare process. If you remove electrons it can do a bound-state decay where the produced electron stays in the atom, this process is much more common then.
Dysprosium-163 has this even more pronounced: As neutral atom it is stable, but if you remove its electrons it becomes radioactive.

Beryllium-7 is the opposite: It can decay only via electron capture. Remove all the electrons and it becomes stable. It has not enough energy for a beta+ decay.

These are very exotic examples.
 
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1. How does ionization affect beta decay rates?

Ionization can change the beta decay rates by altering the electronic structure of the atom. When an atom is ionized, it loses or gains electrons, which can affect the stability of the nucleus and therefore the rate of beta decay.

2. Can beta decay rates be controlled by ionization?

Yes, beta decay rates can be controlled by ionization. By manipulating the electron configuration of the atom, scientists can alter the stability of the nucleus and thus change the rate of beta decay.

3. Does the type of ionization matter in changing beta decay rates?

Yes, the type of ionization can have an impact on beta decay rates. For example, if an atom loses an electron, it becomes more positively charged and can result in a different rate of beta decay compared to if it gained an electron and became more negatively charged.

4. Are there any other factors that can change beta decay rates besides ionization?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect beta decay rates, such as temperature, pressure, and external magnetic fields. These factors can also influence the stability of the nucleus and therefore impact the rate of beta decay.

5. Can ionization be used to predict changes in beta decay rates?

While ionization can have an effect on beta decay rates, it is not the only factor that determines these rates. Therefore, it is not always possible to accurately predict changes in beta decay rates solely based on ionization. Other factors must also be considered.

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