Do Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions only refer to isospin

In summary, a Fermi transition is a type of radioactive decay involving a change in the number of protons or neutrons and the emission of a neutrino or antineutrino. A Gamow-Teller transition is a type of beta decay involving a change in spin and/or parity and the emission of a neutrino or antineutrino. These transitions are named after Enrico Fermi and George Gamow and Edward Teller, respectively. While they involve changes in isospin, they are not limited to it. Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions are both types of beta decays, but differ in selection rules and probability of occurrence. They can be observed experimentally through techniques such as beta decay spectroscopy and electron
  • #1
charlesmartin14
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1
Do Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions only refer to changes in isospin , as in beta decay and orbital electron capture
 
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  • #2
charlesmartin14 said:
Do Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions only refer to changes in isospin , as in beta decay and orbital electron capture

For the Fermi transitions yes. But for the Gamow-Tell transitions you have spin exchange.
 

1. What is a Fermi transition?

A Fermi transition is a type of radioactive decay in which a nucleus undergoes a change in its number of protons or neutrons, while also emitting a neutrino or antineutrino. These transitions are named after Enrico Fermi, who first described them in the 1930s.

2. What is a Gamow-Teller transition?

A Gamow-Teller transition is a type of beta decay in which a nucleus changes its spin and/or parity, while also emitting a neutrino or antineutrino. These transitions are named after George Gamow and Edward Teller, who first described them in the 1930s.

3. Do Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions only refer to isospin?

No, Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions refer to a type of nuclear decay and are not limited to just isospin. However, they do involve changes in isospin, which is a quantum number that distinguishes between protons and neutrons.

4. How are Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions related?

Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions are both types of beta decays, but they differ in their selection rules. Fermi transitions are allowed for all nuclei, while Gamow-Teller transitions are only allowed for nuclei with a spin of 1/2. Additionally, Gamow-Teller transitions have a higher probability of occurring than Fermi transitions.

5. Can Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions be observed experimentally?

Yes, Fermi and Gamow-Teller transitions can be observed experimentally through various techniques such as beta decay spectroscopy and electron capture spectroscopy. These methods allow for the detection and measurement of the energies and momenta of the particles emitted during these transitions, providing evidence for their occurrence.

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