Is it Possible to Slow Down Beta Decay in Cobalt 60?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of slowing down beta decay in cobalt-60 through cooling, exploring the relationship between temperature and radioactivity, particularly in the context of theoretical limits such as Absolute Zero.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether cooling cobalt-60 could slow down beta decay.
  • Another participant asserts that radioactivity is not influenced by temperature, stating that it is not a thermal effect.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding a claim made by their physics teacher about the plausibility of the experiment.
  • It is noted that while beta decay is governed by weak interaction, temperature affects molecular vibrations, which are mediated by electromagnetic interactions, suggesting these mechanisms are distinct.
  • One participant mentions that there are scarce reports of varying decay rates through physico-chemical influences, with a noted maximum variation of about 10% in some cases.
  • A theoretical consideration is raised about whether beta decay would still occur at Absolute Zero, linking it to concepts in quantum mechanics and hidden variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of temperature on beta decay, with some asserting it has no effect while others suggest that experimental variations could be plausible. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the impact of temperature on decay rates.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the relationship between temperature and decay rates, as well as the lack of comprehensive data on how decay rates might vary with temperature.

whitay
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Hi,

I'm wondering if it is possible to slow down beta decay in cobalt 60 by cooling it?
 
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Nope. Radioactivity isn't a thermal effect, nor is it influenced by temperature.

Zz.
 
I thought everything was slowed by cooler temperature. Theoretically, would beta decay still occur at Absolute Zero?
 
I'm now confused as to why my physics teacher said it was a plausible experiment.
 
LURCH said:
I thought everything was slowed by cooler temperature. Theoretically, would beta decay still occur at Absolute Zero?

But beta decay is governed by WEAK INTERACTION. Heat/temperature is more of molecular vibrations mediated by EM interaction. These two are completely different mechanism.

If it is influenced by temperature, then the half life of everything must be tabulated with the corresponding temperature. You don't see this in CRC Handbook.

Zz.
 
The bibliography in successful attempts to vary decay rates via physico-chemical influence is scarce. I thing the greatest resported variation is about 10%, and I can not remmber what substance was involved.

So yes, it is a plausible experiment, as double beta decay is: unlikely, but measurable, and interesting if you get positive results.
 
LURCH said:
Theoretically, would beta decay still occur at Absolute Zero?
Hmm if quantum mechanics were a theory of hidden variables, then we could consider these variables as contributing to temperature. It is more of a redefinition of the concept of Temperature (and Absolute Zero), isn't it?
 

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