Chapter 13: Problem 12
Find the \(\mathrm{g}\) -value and the kinetic energy of the emitted \(\alpha\) -particle in the \(\alpha\) -decay of (a) \(28 \mathrm{Ra}\) and (b) \({ }_{86}^{220} \mathrm{Rn}\). Given \(m\left({ }_{88}^{226} \mathrm{Ra}\right)=226.02540 \mathrm{u}\) \(m\left(\frac{22}{86} \mathrm{Rn}\right)=222.01750 \mathrm{u}\) \(m\left(_{86}^{22} \mathrm{Rn}\right)=220.01137 \mathrm{u}\) \(m\left({ }_{84}^{216} \mathrm{Po}\right)=216.00189 \mathrm{u}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem
Calculate the Mass Defect for (a) \( ^{226}_{88}\textrm{Ra} \)
Convert Mass Defect to Energy for (a) \( ^{226}_{88}\textrm{Ra} \)
Calculate the Mass Defect for (b) \( ^{220}_{86}\textrm{Rn} \)
Convert Mass Defect to Energy for (b) \( ^{220}_{86}\textrm{Rn} \)
Find the g-value and Kinetic Energy
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Mass Defect
- This difference arises because some of the mass has been converted into binding energy, which holds the nucleus together.
- During an alpha decay, a nucleus emits an alpha particle – a helium nucleus – and transforms into a lighter element.
- The mass defect can be calculated by taking the initial mass of the parent nucleus and subtracting the total mass of the daughter nucleus and the emitted alpha particle.
Q-value
- The Q-value is crucial because it determines the energy with which the alpha particle is emitted.
- In essence, it equals the energy equivalent of the mass defect calculated during the alpha decay.
- Moreover, because the recoil of the daughter nucleus is negligible, the Q-value can be considered approximately equal to the kinetic energy of the emitted alpha particle.
Kinetic Energy
- Kinetic energy accounts for the motion of the alpha particle after it is dislodged from the parent nucleus.
- It is calculated using the relation \( E = \Delta m \cdot c^2 \), helping to determine how energetic the particle motion will be.
- This energy measurement is critical in nuclear physics, providing insights into both nuclear structure and stability.
Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear physics explores how different forces and particles interact within the nucleus, including the attractive strong nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force.
- Alpha decay, a type of radioactive decay, is an area of particular interest, involving the emission of an alpha particle from a nucleus.
- This field also examines the energy changes occurring during nuclear reactions, using concepts such as mass defect, binding energy, and Q-value.