Why alpha spectrum is discrete but beta spectrum is continuous?

Emitted beta particles have a continuous kinetic energy spectrum. The energies range from 0 to the maximum available energy Q. The continuous energy spectrum occurs because Q is shared between the electron and the antineutrino. A typical Q is around 1 MeV, but it can range from a few keV to a few tens of MeV.

Is alpha decay spectrum continuous?

This emission of alpha particles from an unstable nucleus is known as alpha decay. The alpha particles come out of the nucleus through quantum tunneling. Hence the Alpha particles escape from the nucleus by tunneling through the wall. The energy spectrum of alpha particles is discrete.

Is beta spectrum continuous?

The beta spectrum, or distribution of energy values for the beta particles, is continuous. The total energy of the decay process is divided between the electron, the antineutrino, and the recoiling nuclide.

Is radioactive decay discrete or continuous?

If we disregard the energy, beta decay is still both continuous and not because of the wave-particle duality . Discrete because beta decay is essentially a release of particles by radioactive atoms . They behave like particles when they interact with other particles (eg: air, other material).

Why are alpha particles and beta particles deflected in opposite directions in an electric field?

5. Alpha and beta rays are deflected in opposite directions in a magnetic field because they are oppositely charged—alpha are positive and beta negative. Gamma rays have no electric charge and are therefore undeflected.

Why is energy from beta rays continuous?

Energy distribution of β rays is continuous because β emission occurs alongwith the emission of another particle, called antineutrino. The energy of the pair of particles emitted is constant. But on account of intersection between the two particles, their energy is shared. Hence β rays have continuous energy.

What is beta ray spectrum?

The distribution of the beta electron energy – called beta spectrum – is characteristic. As the kinetic energy of the emitting nucleus in negligible, it is the electron and the antineutrino that share the decay energy in variable proportions. The electron energy is maximal when it carries all the decay energy.

What is alpha decay and beta decay?

Alpha decay – A common mode of radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits an alpha particle (a helium-4 nucleus). Beta decay – A common mode of radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits beta particles. The daughter nucleus will have a higher atomic number than the original nucleus.

Why are alpha particles deflected upwards?

Alpha particles deflect upward in this field obeying the right hand rule of a positively charged particle. Gamma particles are unaffected by the field and so must carry no charge. In addition, the radius of curvature of the α particles is larger than that of the β particles.

Why are alpha and beta rays deflected in opposite directions in a magnetic field Why aren’t gamma rays deflected?

How was the observed continuous energy spectrum of electron in the β decay explained?

Early studies of beta decay revealed a continuous energy spectrum up to a maximum, unlike the predictable energy of alpha particles. For symmetry reasons, the particle emitted along with the electron from nuclei is called an antineutrino. The emission of a positron is accompanied by a neutrino.

Why is beta decay not continuous?

Since the electrons are emitted as a stream of discrete particles, β decay is not continuous. If you plot the fraction of electrons having a given kinetic energy against that energy, you get a graph like the one shown below. Emitted beta particles have a continuous kinetic energy spectrum.

What is the beta decay of carbon 14?

β⁻ decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron is emitted from an atomic nucleus along with an electron antineutrino. Using symbols, we would write the β decay of carbon-14 as: Since the electrons are emitted as a stream of discrete particles, β decay is not continuous.

What happens to the energy released in alpha decay?

So, a simple alpha decay will go from one level in the parent nucleus to one level in the daughter nucleus, releasing a set amount of energy. If it is pure alpha decay, than it is a 2-body problem so there is a unique solution to conserve energy (released) and momentum (net zero), so the alpha comes out at a single energy.

Is it possible to estimate the beta spectrum?

It’s not a terribly big leap from there to an estimate of the beta spectrum. This is in contrast to two-body decays, where the final momenta in the rest frame must be equal and opposite, and so there is only one solution for momentum and energy.