Chapter 30, Problem 15Q

To determine

Difference between alpha emitting and beta emitting with respect to the energy.

Answer to Problem 15Q

Solution:

It depends on the number particles after the decaying.

Explanation of Solution

The alpha particles from a given alpha emitting nuclide are generally mono energetic, they all have the same kinetic energy. Let’s assume that the energy of the parent nucleus is known in alpha decay, and then the energies of the daughter nucleus and the alpha are unknowns. These two unknowns can be determined by energy and momentum conservation. Since there are two unknowns and two conditions, the values are uniquely determined

The beta particles from a beta emitting nuclide have a spectrum of energies. In beta decay, there are three unknown after the decay, there are three particles present after the decay. The conditions of energy and momentum conservation are not sufficient to exactly determine the energy of each particle, and so they have a spectrum of energies