Question

³²P beta-decays to ³²S. Find the sum of the energy of the antineutrino and the kinetic energy of the β-particle. Neglect the recoil of the daughter nucleus. Atomic mass of ³²P = 31.974 u and that of ³²S = 31.972 u.

Answer 1

Given:
Atomic mass of ³²P, m(³²P) = 31.974 u
Atomic mass of ³²S, m(³²S) = 31.972 u
Reaction :

`P^32 → S^32 + _1V^0 + _-1beta^0`

Energy of antineutrino and β-particle, E = `[m(""^32P) - m(""^32S)]c^2`

= `(31.974  "u" - 31.972  "u")c^2`

= `0.002 xx 931 = 1.862  "MeV"`