Concerns about double beta decay plus/double electron capture

In summary, the conversation discusses the theoretical decay of isotope Nickel-58 to Iron-58 through double beta decay plus (bb+). The question is whether this decay would affect neighboring Nickel isotopes such as Nickel-60 and Nickel-62, or if it would only affect the outer electron cloud orbitals. The conversation also mentions the possibility of the ejected particles attacking neighboring Nickel isotopes' inner nuclei. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of positrons in this process, which would lose energy through Bremsstrahlung and ionization before annihilating with electrons. The conclusion is that the other nuclei would not be affected by these processes.
  • #1
karakele
3
0
Hello fellas!
Ok, so we have the isotope Nickel-58 which can decay (still theoritically) to Iron-58 through double beta decay plus (bb+), my question is... imagine this decay is actually demonstrated (just figure it), so the transmutation into the iron isotope actually works... would the ejected particles released in the process "attack" neighbour Nickel isotopes' inner nucleus? Like Nickel-60 and Nickel-62, or will it just affect the outern electron cloud orbitals? (Remember that's how a radioluminiscent glass works) I think it is difficult but I am not sure :S
 
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  • #2
The positrons would lose their energy by Bremsstrahlung and ionization, and annihilate with electrons once they are slowed down. The other nuclei don't care about those processes.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
The positrons would lose their energy by Bremsstrahlung and ionization, and annihilate with electrons once they are slowed down. The other nuclei don't care about those processes.
Thanks! I'm a Nickel fan ^^
 

1. What is double beta decay plus/double electron capture?

Double beta decay plus/double electron capture are two types of nuclear decay processes that occur in certain unstable atoms. In both processes, an atom's nucleus emits two electrons, resulting in a decrease in the atomic number of the atom.

2. What is the difference between double beta decay plus and double electron capture?

The main difference between double beta decay plus and double electron capture is the mechanism by which the two electrons are emitted. In double beta decay plus, both electrons are emitted from the nucleus, while in double electron capture, one electron is captured by the nucleus and the other is emitted from the nucleus.

3. What elements undergo double beta decay plus/double electron capture?

Double beta decay plus/double electron capture can occur in any unstable atom that has a high enough atomic number to allow for the process. Some common elements that undergo these processes include xenon, tellurium, and barium.

4. What is the significance of studying double beta decay plus/double electron capture?

Studying double beta decay plus/double electron capture can provide insight into the fundamental properties of matter, such as the nature of neutrinos and the possible violation of the conservation of lepton number. It can also help in understanding the stability of certain isotopes and their potential use in nuclear energy production.

5. How is double beta decay plus/double electron capture detected?

Double beta decay plus/double electron capture can be detected through various experimental techniques, such as measuring the energy and direction of emitted particles, analyzing the daughter atoms produced, and monitoring the radioactive decay of the parent atom. These methods allow for the identification and study of these rare nuclear decay processes.

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