Calculate the minimum energy needed to separate a neutron from a nucleus with Z protons and N neutrons in terms of the masses M_{Z, N}, M_{Z, N–1} and the mass of the neutron.

Find the energy liberated in the reaction

²²³Ra → ²⁰⁹Pb + ¹⁴C.

The atomic masses needed are as follows.

²²³Ra ²⁰⁹Pb ¹⁴C

223.018 u 208.981 u 14.003 u

Show that the minimum energy needed to separate a proton from a nucleus with Z protons and N neutrons is

ΔE = (M_{z–1, N} +M_H –M_{Z, N}) c²

Where M_{Z, N} = mass of an atom with Z protons and N neutrons in the nucleus and M_H = mass of a hydrogen atom. This energy is known as proton-separation energy.

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.

A free neutron beta-decays to a proton with a half-life of 14 minutes.

(a) What is the decay constant?

(b) Find the energy liberated in the process.