using appropriate disgrams, describe the quantum tunneling based theory of alpha decay
using appropriate disgrams, describe the quantum tunneling based theory of alpha decay
Alpha decay quantum tunneling is a theory that explains how α-particles pass through a potential barrier higher than their kinetic energy, which is against the classical mechanics. It happens because of the wave nature of matter (wave-particle duality) that is nonzero everywhere with their quantum wave function describing their state and wave equation their behavior.
In quantum mechanics, there is always a nonzero, finite possibility of quantum particles (wave packets) moving between two places separated by a large but finite potential barrier whose height exceeds the particles’ kinetic energy, i.e., the tunnel effect.
Nuclei which are naturally occuring are unstable but don’t spontaneously decay rapidly to form more stable daughter nuclei.
The reason is the existence of an energy barrier that prevents alpha particles from escaping. This barrier is from weak and strong nuclear forces from other nucleons (protons and neutrons) and the coulomb repulsive forces.
The nuclear forces (strong and weak) keep these subatomic particles together inside the nucleus and overcome the repulsive electromagnetic or coulomb repulsion force.
On the other hand, coulomb repulsion forces occur between particles of the same charge. Inside the nucleus, this force is between protons or any other particle with a similar charge; an example is between the positively charged α-particle and protons or amongst protons.
Therefore, any alpha particle that escapes needs sufficient energy to overcome the energy barrier that weak and strong nuclear forces create.
Unfortunately, since the α-particle moves in a small space within the nucleus, it has little constant kinetic energy. Thus, it cannot overcome the energy barrier created by attractive forces nuclear forces and is trapped in a box or finite potential well.
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