PHYSICAClass 12 Physics simulations · Nuclei
Alpha decay and nuclear recoil
Start with a stationary nucleus and see how the alpha particle and daughter share momentum and energy.
What to notice
The momenta are equal and opposite. The lighter alpha particle carries most of the released kinetic energy.
Key relation
pα = −pd; Kα/Kd = md/mα
Try this
Increase the parent mass number at fixed energy release.
What you can change
- Parent mass number: 200 to 240
- Decay energy Q: 4 to 9 MeV
More in Nuclei
- Activity of a radioactive sample
- Binding energy per nucleon
- Neutron multiplication in fission
- Energy from nuclear fusion
- Mass defect and binding energy
- Radioactive decay
- Size and density of nuclei
- Radiometric dating
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