In a nuclear decay, where the dM energy goes?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In beta decay, the excess energy, denoted as dM, is primarily distributed among the decay products, specifically the emitted electron or positron and the (anti)neutrino. If the excitation energy of the daughter nucleus does not correspond to any available excited states, such as having 100keV of excitation energy while the first excited state is at 200keV, the energy will not be absorbed by the nucleus. Instead, it remains unutilized until a process like internal conversion occurs, allowing for energy dissipation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beta decay processes
  • Familiarity with nuclear excitation energy levels
  • Knowledge of internal conversion mechanisms
  • Basic principles of particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of beta decay in nuclear physics
  • Study the concept of excitation energy levels in nuclei
  • Learn about internal conversion and its role in energy dissipation
  • Explore the properties and interactions of (anti)neutrinos
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in nuclear physics, particle physicists, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of nuclear decay and energy distribution in decay processes.

ORF
Messages
169
Reaction score
19
Hello

Let's suppose a beta-decay. The mother nucleus is dM heavier than the daughter nucleus.

What happen if the excitation energy does not match any combination of excited states in the daughter nucleus?

Example: the daughter nucleus has 100keV of excitation energy, but the first exited state is at 200keV. Will the energy be kept in the nucleus until an internal conversion?

Thank you in advance.

Greetings
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The excess energy in a beta decay is generally distributed among the decay products. Since the nuclei are heavy, most of the energy goes into kinetic energy in the resulting electron/positron and (anti)neutrino.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K