What is the Meaning of Gamma_{1} in Nuclear Physics?

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SUMMARY

Gamma_{1} (\Gamma_{1}) represents the partial decay width for the emission of particle 1 in nuclear physics. A large decay width (\alpha) indicates a higher likelihood of decay via the emission of an alpha particle, but this is contingent upon the properties of the alpha particle itself. The discussion clarifies that while alpha particles have a long lifetime and a small decay width (\Gamma_{\alpha} << 1), neutrons have a much shorter lifetime and a larger decay width (\Gamma_{n} >> 1), indicating their propensity to decay more readily.

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Soff
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I found following statement in a textbook about nuclear physics:

\Gamma_{1} is the partial width for decay of resonance by emission of particle 1

Does this mean that when the decay width alpha is quite large, a given nucleon is likely to decay by emitting an alpha particle? Or does the decay width mainly depend on the properties of the alpha particle?
 
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Soff said:
I found following statement in a textbook about nuclear physics:



Does this mean that when the decay width alpha is quite large, a given nucleon is likely to decay by emitting an alpha particle? Or does the decay width mainly depend on the properties of the alpha particle?
What does the quote you show have to do with alpha particles?
 
I finally found the right solution:

Since the alpha particle has a very long lifetime, it randomly decays. Therefore:

\Gamma_{\alpha}&lt;&lt;1

On the other hand, a neutron decays very easily, what means:

\Gamma_{n}&gt;&gt;1
 
Last edited:
Soff said:
I finally found the right solution:

Since the alpha particle has a very long lifetime, it randomly decays. Therefore:

\Gamma_{\alpha}&lt;&lt;1

On the other hand, a neutron decays very easily, what means:

\Gamma_{n}&gt;&gt;1
The alpha particle is stable.
The neutron has a relatively long lifetime.
\Gamma>>1 is wrong dimensionally.
 

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