How to read this decay sheet (gamma emission after beta decay)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a decay scheme for ##^{112}Ag## and its subsequent ##\beta##-decay to ##^{112}Cd##, particularly focusing on the gamma emissions that result from the excited states of ##Cd##. Participants are exploring how to interpret the decay sheet and identify observable gamma peaks using a scintillator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which gamma emissions would produce observable peaks when measured with a scintillator of limited energy resolution, specifically referencing a transition with a gamma energy of ##120keV##.
  • Another participant points out a gamma emission at ##617.517 keV## with an intensity of 42%, suggesting it is a significant peak to look for.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term "major radiations" and its location in the decay scheme, indicating some confusion about the information presented.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the identification of "major radiations," highlighting a potential misunderstanding or lack of clarity in the decay sheet's presentation.
  • Participants discuss the relevance of intensity values, particularly ##I_{\gamma}(abs)##, in determining which gamma emissions to focus on.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on how to interpret the decay sheet or which gamma emissions are most relevant, as participants express differing levels of understanding and seek clarification on specific terms and values.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the decay scheme, including the interpretation of intensity values and the identification of significant gamma emissions. Some assumptions about the clarity of the decay sheet and the definitions of terms like "major radiations" remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in nuclear decay processes, gamma spectroscopy, and the interpretation of decay schemes may find this discussion relevant.

dRic2
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TL;DR
I would be very grateful if someone could help me reading this decay scheme
I was looking at the decay scheme (https://www-nds.iaea.org/relnsd/vcharthtml/VChartHTML.html) of ##^{112}Ag## which ##\beta##-decays to ##^{112}Cd##. ##Cd## is most likely left in an excited states, so it decays to its ground state by ##\gamma##-emission. As you can see there are tons of possible energy levels, so there are tons of possible gammas. If I were to measure those gammas with a scintillator (with not very high energy resolution) which one would give me an observable peak ? I can't figure this out...

For example, take the first one (in the gamma-table): I have a gamme of energy ##120keV## emitted by the transition from the level with energy ##1433keV## to the on with energy ##1312keV##; it says ##I_{\gamma}(abs) = 0.076 \space 12## but what is it ? Would it be detectable ?

Thanks in advance.
 
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It says 617.517 keV and 42% under "major radiations". That's what you should look for.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
It says 617.517 keV and 42% under "major radiations". That's what you should look for.
Sorry, but where did you find "major radiations"? Anyway, the 617.517 keV gamma is the one with the highest ##I(abs)## which is exactly 42. So I just have to look for the highest value of ##I(abs)## ? (I'm referring to this table)
Schermata 2020-08-31 alle 16.20.42.png
 
dRic2 said:
Sorry, but where did you find "major radiations"?

Hover over the nuclide.
 
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Thank you
 

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