Under certain circumstances, a nucleus can decay by emitting a particle more massive than a α-particle. Consider the following decay processes:


Calculate the Q-values for these decays and determine that both are energetically allowed.



Where,


Δm = Mass defect (or) mass lost during reaction


c = speed of light


Take nuclear emission reaction given,



Energy (Heat) released during nuclear emission reaction,


We know that,


Mass of , m1 = 223.0185 u


Mass of , m2 = 208.98107 u


Mass of , m3 = 14.00324 u



But, 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2



So, this reaction results in the emission of 31.848 MeV of energy.


Take nuclear emission reaction given,



Energy (Heat) released during nuclear emission reaction,


We know that,


Mass of , m1 = 223.0185 u


Mass of , m2 = 219.00948 u


Mass of , m3 = 4.00260 u



But, 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2



So, this reaction results in the emission of 5.98 MeV of energy.


Since, both reactions are giving energy outside ( + ve), given reactions are energetically allowed.


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