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

[Soff]

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?

 

[Meir Achuz]

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?

 

[Soff]

I finally found the right solution:

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

\Gamma_{\alpha}<<1

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

\Gamma_{n}>>1

 

[Meir Achuz]

I finally found the right solution:

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

\Gamma_{\alpha}<<1

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

\Gamma_{n}>>1

The alpha particle is stable.
The neutron has a relatively long lifetime.
\Gamma>>1 is wrong dimensionally.