Beta decay curve is a graph that shows the relationship between the kinetic energy (KE) of beta particles and the number of particles emitted during beta decay. It is used to study the properties of radioactive isotopes and to determine their half-lives.
KE is not constant in beta decay curve because beta particles are emitted with a range of energies rather than a single fixed energy. This is due to the fact that beta decay is a random process and the energy of the emitted particles depends on the type of decay and the nucleus involved.
Beta decay curve is directly related to the half-life of a radioactive isotope. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. The shape of the beta decay curve can provide information about the half-life of the isotope, as the curve will show a decrease in the number of particles over time.
The shape of beta decay curve can be affected by several factors including the type of radioactive isotope, the type of decay (beta minus or beta plus), the energy of the decay process, and the initial number of radioactive atoms in the sample. These factors can result in variations in the shape and slope of the curve.
Beta decay curve is used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Radioactive isotopes that undergo beta decay are used in imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which can help detect diseases such as cancer. Beta particles emitted during decay can also be used to target and destroy cancer cells in a process called targeted radiotherapy.