Kinetic energy of an electron on the β spectrum?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The maximum kinetic energy of the electron in the β spectrum from the decay of a 191Os nucleus to an excited state of 191Ir is definitively calculated to be 0.143 MeV. This value is derived from the Q value of the reaction, which is determined by the mass difference between the parent and daughter nuclei, specifically 0.3139 MeV, minus the energy of the excited state at 171 keV. The calculations utilize precise atomic mass values: 191Os at 190.960928u and 191Ir at 190.960591u, confirming the accuracy of the result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of β decay and nuclear reactions
  • Familiarity with atomic mass units (u) and energy conversion (MeV)
  • Knowledge of Q value calculations in nuclear physics
  • Basic proficiency in using energy conservation principles in nuclear processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Q value in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about the principles of β decay and its implications in nuclear physics
  • Explore the significance of excited states in nuclear decay processes
  • Investigate the methods for calculating kinetic energy in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in nuclear physics, physicists specializing in particle interactions, and anyone involved in nuclear decay calculations will benefit from this discussion.

richphys
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 191Os nucleus decays via β- emission to an excited state of 191Ir at 171 keV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the electron on the β spectrum?
a) 0.134 MeV
b) 0.143 MeV
c) 0.171 MeV
d) 1.859 MeV

Homework Equations



191 Os = 190.960928u
191 Ir = 190.960591u

(190.960928u - 190.960591u) * 931.5MeV/u = 0.3139 MeV

0.3139 MeV - 0.171 MeV = 0.143 MeV

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I am unsure if my answer of 0.143 MeV is correct. In my notes it says the maximum kinetic energy is equal to the Q value of the reaction, so I wokred out the Q value above then subtracted the "excited state" value.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Indeed
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
13K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
4K