Chapter 30.1, Problem 11SSC

To determine

To Explain: Which of these nuclei would have more negative binding energy.

Answer to Problem 11SSC

The tritium nucleus has the more negative binding energy.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Beta decay involves emission of beta particles from the nucleus of the atom and transformation of the nucleus into isobar.

The nucleus of tritium has one proton and two neutrons.

It decays into helium $-3$ by beta decay:

  $H\to H{e}^{1+}+e^{-}+v_e$

The electron's kinetic energy changes with an average of $\text{5}\text{.7}\text{keV}$ , and the rest of the energy is carried by the undetectable electron called antineutrino.

Since tritium emits particles with mass and kinetic energy during its decay.

The tritium nucleus $H$ possess more negative binding energy.

Conclusion:

The tritium nucleus $H$ has the more negative binding energy.