Help needed in calculating Flux of point source (NucEng)

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the photon intensity from a 2 µg sample of {}^{47}Ca encased in a lead sphere, one must first convert the sample's mass into the number of atoms using its molar mass. The half-life of {}^{47}Ca, which is 4.7 days, allows for the determination of the decay rate, or particles per second (S_p). The photon intensity can then be calculated using the formula φ(r) = S_p / (4πr²) e^{-μr}, where μ is the total microscopic cross-section and r is the distance from the source. The challenge lies in transitioning from the sample's weight to the decay rate in photons per second, which requires understanding the relationship between energy per decay and the number of emitted photons. Ultimately, the key is to accurately calculate S_p from the sample's mass and decay characteristics.
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Homework Statement



A 2 \mug sample of {}^{47}Ca is encased in a lead sphere. What is the photon intensity 5 cm from the source? Use some of the tables in your book to find the required information.

Homework Equations



Flux/Intensity of photons from a point source:
\phi(r)=\frac{S_p}{4\pi r^2} e^{-\mu r}
Where \mu is the total microscopic cross section, r is the radius(distance) from point source and S_p is the particles per unit time.

The Attempt at a Solution



I can and have done these problems when the energy of the sample is given. However I have never done one where the weight of the sample is given. I am lost on this problem. My main question here is: How can I go from weight to photons/second?

I tried calculating S_p by using 1047.1 keV/decay listed in the textbook but I still don't know where to go from there. Ci:=decays/second. How many photons per keV?? Or am I over thinking this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Radioactive calcium 47 has a half-life of 4.7 days and emits a high-energy gamma ray (photon) of 1.3 Mev as well as a beta particle in its decay to scandium 47.[/color] - reference

If you know the sample's mass you can calculate the number of atoms present, and based on its half-life you can determine the expected number of photons the sample is emitting per unit of time.
 
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