Kinetic energy of alpha particle during decay

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energy acquired by an alpha particle during alpha decay, represented by the formula Talpha=Q/[1+[maplha/mD]. The energy release, Q, is defined as the difference in mass-energy between the parent nucleus and the daughter nucleus plus the alpha particle, given by Q=[mP-mD-malpha]c^2. Participants emphasize the importance of applying conservation of energy and momentum to determine how kinetic energy is distributed between the alpha particle and the daughter nucleus. This approach leads to a unique solution for the kinetic energy of each particle involved in the decay process. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately analyzing alpha decay dynamics.
senan
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Show that kinetic energy acquired by an alpha particle during an alpha decay is

Talpha=Q/[1+[maplha/mD]


Homework Equations



Q=[mP-mD-malpha]c^2


The Attempt at a Solution



Q is the release of energy which is acquired by the daughter nucleus and the alpha particle in the form of KE. I'm just not sure how to determine the KE will be split between the two
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Apply conservation of energy in conjunction with conservation of momentum. This will lead to a unique solution for the kinetic energy possessed by each particle.
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Why Is Energy Released in Nuclear Decay Equal to Change in Binding Energies?
Replies
13
Views
1K
Using energy considerations to analyse particle motion
Replies
3
Views
884
Kinetic Energy for particles (alpha decay)
Replies
2
Views
3K
Kinetic energy of an alpha particle
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculate the kinetic energy of two alpha particles
Replies
2
Views
1K
What is the energy of the alpha particle and recoiling nucleus?
Replies
9
Views
6K
Kinetic energy of alpha particle in alpha decay
Replies
3
Views
5K
Compute the energy of the emitted alpha for Na20 decaying to an excited state
Replies
6
Views
4K
How to calculate gamma ray energies following beta decay?
Replies
12
Views
1K
Alpha Decay and Total Kinetic Energy
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top