Beta Particles -- range of energies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of beta particles and their range of energies, specifically addressing the nature of energy distribution among particles emitted during beta decay. Participants explore the differences in energy characteristics of beta particles compared to alpha and gamma emissions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on what it means for beta particles to have a range of energies.
  • Another participant explains that while a single beta particle has a specific energy, multiple particles emitted from the same decay can exhibit a spectrum of energies, ranging from nearly zero to a maximum value.
  • It is noted that this energy distribution is distinct from alpha and gamma decays, which produce particles with fixed energies.
  • A later reply references the energy spectrum of beta decay and suggests checking external resources for further information.
  • One participant introduces the concept of three-body products in beta decay, discussing how the energy is shared between the emitted beta particle and the neutrino, leading to a relationship involving total energy Q.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of a spectrum of energies for beta particles, but the discussion includes varying levels of detail and context regarding the underlying physics, indicating that multiple views on the implications and explanations remain.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific assumptions about the decay processes and the definitions of energy in this context, which may not be universally agreed upon or fully resolved within the discussion.

MoAli
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Hello, I was wondering if someone could explain to me what does it meant that a beta particle has a range of energies ? Thanks
 
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A single particle has a single energy, but different particles (coming from decays of the same type of atom) have different energies (a spectrum from "nearly zero" to some maximum value). That is different from alpha and gamma decays where you get fixed energies for all emitted particles.
 
Depends on the context - where did you see this?
 
mfb said:
A single particle has a single energy, but different particles (coming from decays of the same type of atom) have different energies (a spectrum from "nearly zero" to some maximum value). That is different from alpha and gamma decays where you get fixed energies for all emitted particles.

to add to this, check out the energy spectrum on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_decay and the section on energy release
 
That is the result of the three-body products...
For example, the case where x=A has a single solution. However what happens if I tell you that x+y =A ?
As the wiki states, the beta and the corresponding neutrino carry out the energy Q...
If you had only one electron, it's energy would be given by E_\beta =Q... with the neutrino however you have E_\beta + E_\nu = Q
 

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