Determining Half-Life of Element X from Gamma Spectrum: Tips and Challenges

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the half-life of Element X using gamma spectrum peaks at 800 keV, 1000 keV, and 1200 keV. The calculated half-lives are 15 hours, 14 hours, and 16 hours respectively. Participants emphasize the importance of considering measurement uncertainties and suggest using a weighted average if the uncertainties differ significantly. They also highlight the need to analyze the decay scheme and ensure that the measurements correspond to the correct isotopes, as inconsistencies can lead to erroneous conclusions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gamma spectroscopy and peak analysis
  • Familiarity with half-life calculations and decay curves
  • Knowledge of uncertainty analysis in measurements
  • Basic principles of nuclear decay and isotopes
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about weighted averages in statistical analysis
  • Study gamma spectroscopy techniques for accurate peak identification
  • Research decay schemes for isotopes relevant to gamma emissions
  • Explore methods for estimating measurement uncertainties in experimental data
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Researchers in nuclear physics, radiochemists, and anyone involved in gamma spectroscopy and isotopic analysis will benefit from this discussion.

sakkoyun
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Hello,
I have a gamma spectrum of one element (X). There are several gamma peak in the spectrum. For example,

800 keV peak, 1000 keV peak and 1200 keV.

I have an information about the peak area changing with time. Namely, I know the peak area in different times. So I can calculate the half life of the element by using the area and time information.

But I have a problem.

I got 15 hours from 800 keV peak.
14 hours from 1000 keV.
16 hours from 1200 keV peak.

Which half-life is correct. What should I do? Which is the most reliable? Should I get average value?

Best wishes
 
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The widths of different peaks will be different.
Calculate the half-life, by measuring only the height of each peak.
These should all decrease at the same rate.
 
Meir Achuz said:
The widths of different peaks will be different.
Sure, but the widths should not vary with time. And if they did, you could use the height of the peak. There is no absolute value mentioned here, all values are relative.

sakkoyun said:
I got 15 hours from 800 keV peak.
14 hours from 1000 keV.
16 hours from 1200 keV peak.

Which half-life is correct. What should I do? Which is the most reliable? Should I get average value?
You should find some estimate how precise your values are. For example, is your first value "15 hours plus/minus 2 minutes" or "in the range of 13 to 17 hours"? If those three values are compatible within the uncertainties, calculate the average. If the uncertainties differ significantly, a weighted average is better.
If the values are incompatible, it would be interesting to know more about the experiment. Do some lines come from decay products? That can give an activity that deviates from an exponential decay.
 
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Thank you very much.
With the errors, 15 +-0.3
14+-0.1
16+- 0.5

The 1200 keV peak is more intense. The others are small peaks. Will I get an average of all them? Namely, (15+14+16)/3=15. Or, will I get the half-life as 16 due to the fact that 1200 keV is more intense. Or, will I get 14 for half-life due to the fact that this value is smallest error?

Best wishes
 
sakkoyun said:
Will I get an average of all them?

--->

mfb said:
If the uncertainties differ significantly, a weighted average is better.
 
14+-0.1 and 16+- 0.5 are a bit far apart. It would be interesting to see the decay scheme. If there is a physical reason for them to have the same half-life, something went wrong, you were really unlucky (>3 standard deviations) or the uncertainties are non-gaussian.
 
mfb said:
14+-0.1 and 16+- 0.5 are a bit far apart. It would be interesting to see the decay scheme. If there is a physical reason for them to have the same half-life, something went wrong, you were really unlucky (>3 standard deviations) or the uncertainties are non-gaussian.

Zn68 was created after reaction. 3 gamma peak are clear in gamma spectra. 805, 1077 and 1260 keV. After analyzing each three peaks individually, I got three different half-life values. (Analyzing is performed by investigating the peak area with time. And obtaining decay (growth) curve). Which one is more reliable? Or ?
 
Zn68 was created after reaction.
And what did you have before?

Did you identify the gamma energies in a decay scheme?

(Analyzing is performed by investigating the peak area with time. And obtaining decay (growth) curve)
How exactly did you do this?
 
Ga69 was bombarded by 10 MeV photon. A neutron was emiited from Ga69. The unstable Ga68 decayed to Zn68.
 
  • #10
None of those are near the half life of Ga-68. Are you sure you are measuring what you think you are?
 
  • #11
I was choosen the numbers randomly for an illustration. Actually the half lives that I measured are 65 min, 67 min and 66 min.
 
  • #12
I'm afraid by asking people to help you with made up, inconsistent numbers, you ended up wasting people's time. Perhaps it would be better to show us the real numbers.
 
  • #13
My aim is to know the technique with a basic examples. It is not do an article all together. I have no realistic data. Again, I would like to know the technique. Because of someone, I made up an element, a realistic peaks and a realistic half life.
I do not have any of them. Just technique I wonder. A dream I had about this problem. So I ask to get an answer. Thats all.
 
  • #14
sakkoyun said:
Actually the half lives that I measured are 65 min, 67 min and 66 min.

sakkoyun said:
I have no realistic data.

It's difficult to help you if you don't provide consistent information.
 
  • #15
sakkoyun said:
My aim is to know the technique with a basic examples. It is not do an article all together. I have no realistic data. Again, I would like to know the technique. Because of someone, I made up an element, a realistic peaks and a realistic half life.
I do not have any of them. Just technique I wonder. A dream I had about this problem. So I ask to get an answer. Thats all.
The right analysis method depends on all those details you refuse to give.
 

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