SUMMARY
The Q-value of the β-decay of Ni-65 is calculated to be 2.14 MeV. The decay process is represented by the equation 65Ni -> 65Cu + e-. The calculation involves the atomic masses of Ni-65 (64.9308 amu) and Cu-65 (64.9277 amu), leading to a difference of -0.0025515 amu, which is then converted to energy using the factor 931.5 MeV/amu. The initial attempt at the calculation was incorrect due to the use of an inaccurate mass for Ni-65.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of β-decay processes
- Familiarity with atomic mass units (amu)
- Knowledge of energy conversion from mass differences (E=mc²)
- Proficiency in basic nuclear physics equations
NEXT STEPS
- Review the principles of β-decay in nuclear physics
- Learn about atomic mass unit conversions to energy (MeV)
- Study the calculation of Q-values in nuclear reactions
- Investigate common pitfalls in mass calculations for nuclear decay
USEFUL FOR
Students in nuclear physics, educators teaching decay processes, and researchers involved in nuclear energy calculations.