Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: If a parent nucleus with energy E1 undergoes β− decay to a daughter nucleus of energy E2, the emitted β− particles show a continuous range of energies, with the maximum (endpoint) equal to E1 − E2.

Statement 2: In β− decay, conservation of

Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: If a parent nucleus with energy E1 undergoes β− decay to a daughter nucleus of energy E2, the emitted β− particles show a continuous range of energies, with the maximum (endpoint) equal to E1 − E2.

Statement 2: In β− decay, conservation of both energy and momentum requires that at least three particles participate in the process.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, and Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1.. Both statements are true. Beta-minus decay shares the released energy E1 - E2 among the electron, the antineutrino and the recoiling daughter (three bodies), so the electron's energy ranges continuously up to the endpoint E1 - E2. Thus Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1.

Solution

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