The time between when the neutrinos are emitted in double-beta decay?

In summary, double-beta decay is a nuclear decay process that emits two neutrinos. These neutrinos are emitted simultaneously, but there is a theoretical possibility where no neutrinos are emitted. This has never been observed. There are also isotopes that undergo normal beta decay, where the produced nucleus will undergo another beta decay later, but this is not considered double-beta decay. However, there is a physical mechanism, known as double beta decay, that prevents the parent nucleus from undergoing single beta decay. There is an anomaly with calcium 48 single beta decay to scandium 48, where single beta decay is allowed but not energetically favorable compared to double beta decay. The decay energy and branching fraction for this process are not the general situation for
  • #1
qnach
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Double-beta decay will emit two neutrinos.
But, are they simultaneously released or separated?
 
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  • #3
Yes, they are emitted at the same time.

There are also many isotopes that will do a normal beta decay, where the produced nucleus will do another beta decay later, but that is not called double beta decay then.
 
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  • #4
mfb said:
Yes, they are emitted at the same time.

There are also many isotopes that will do a normal beta decay, where the produced nucleus will do another beta decay later, but that is not called double beta decay then.

I am serious in doubt "the same time". To be emitted at the same time is really a magic unless there are some physical mechanism to make them, otherwise "the same time" only means the instrument time resolution. If you have better instrument you will be able to detect they are NOT at the same time.
 
  • #5
qnach said:
To be emitted at the same time is really a magic unless there are some physical mechanism to make them
That physical mechanism is the double beta decay.
 
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  • #6
The entire point with double beta decay is that the parent nucleus energetically cannot undergo single beta decay.
 
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  • #7
Orodruin said:
The entire point with double beta decay is that the parent nucleus energetically cannot undergo single beta decay.
Are you sure?
What is the decay energy and branching fraction of calcium 48 single beta decay to scandium 48?
 
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  • #8
snorkack said:
Are you sure?
What is the decay energy and branching fraction of calcium 48 single beta decay to scandium 48?
That is something of an anomaly where single beta decay is allowed but not very favourable energetically compared to the double beta decay. However, the double decay is a higher order process. Together these effects happen to give similar decay widths for the two types of decay but it is not the general situation for double beta decaying nuclei.
 
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  • #9
There are two decays 48Ca -> 48Sc and 96Zr -> 96Mo where beta decay is almost but not quite energetically forbidden. However, the rates for these processes are substantially lower than for double beta decay: around 1000 for calcium and much larger for zirconium.
 
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1. What is double-beta decay?

Double-beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus undergoes two beta decays, resulting in the emission of two electrons and two anti-neutrinos.

2. How are neutrinos involved in double-beta decay?

Neutrinos are emitted during the beta decay process, along with electrons. In double-beta decay, two beta decays occur simultaneously, resulting in the emission of two neutrinos.

3. What is the time between when the neutrinos are emitted in double-beta decay?

The time between when the neutrinos are emitted in double-beta decay varies depending on the isotope undergoing decay. It can range from fractions of a second to hundreds of years.

4. Why is the time between when the neutrinos are emitted important?

The time between when the neutrinos are emitted can provide valuable information about the properties of neutrinos, such as their mass and flavor. It can also help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of double-beta decay.

5. How is the time between when the neutrinos are emitted measured?

The time between when the neutrinos are emitted is measured using specialized detectors that can detect the neutrinos and record the time of their emission. These detectors are typically placed near the source of the decay, such as a nuclear reactor or a radioactive sample.

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