Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation
 

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation problem 42


When a sample of a radioactive isotope decays by -particle emission, the -particles emitted have a single discrete energy. When a sample of a radioactive isotope decays by particle emission, the particles emitted have a continuous range of energies. What is the explanation for this?


  • An antineutrino is emitted with a particle but not with an -particle.


  • An antineutrino is emitted with an -particle but not with a particle.


  • The -particles have much more energy than the particles.


  • The particles have much more energy than the -particles.


 

main author and content editor: Daniel Owoyomi