In beta decay (a radioactive process), an atomic nucleus emits an electron. A 21
ID: 2201384 • Letter: I
Question
In beta decay (a radioactive process), an atomic nucleus emits an electron. A 210Bi (bismuth) nucleus at rest undergoes beta decay to 210Po (polonium). Suppose the emitted electron moves to the right with a momentum of 5.60x10-22 kg m/s. The 210Po nucleus, with mass 3.50x10-25 kg, recoils to the left at a speed of 1.14x103 m/s. Momentum conservation requires that a second particle, called an antineutrino, must also be emitted. Calculate the momentum (including sign) of the antineutrino.
*I'm not sure how to solve this but please show me step by step how you get the answer and where are you getting the equations you used pleeeease!
Explanation / Answer
as there are no external forces acting, total momentum should be conserved. initial momentum is 0 as Bismuth is at rest. for the sign, take right side as +ve and left side as -ve now momentum of electron = 5.60x10^(-22) kg m/s momentum of polonium =m*v = -3.5*10^(-25)*1.14x10^3 = -3.99*10^(-22)kg m/s let momentum of antineutrino be P then 5.60x10^(-22)-3.99*10^(-22)+P = 0 ==> P = -1.61*10^(-22) kgm/s so momentum of antineutrino is 1.61*10^(-22) kgm/s towards left.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.