Gamma decay is described in this lecture. The energetics involved in gamma decay are provided. Decay types in gamma transitions are explained, inclusion those that do not occur by photon emission. Transition probabilities and internal conversions inherent to gamma decay are covered. Links to find transition probabilities are provided. Electronic and magnetic multiple transitions are discussed. Angular correlations in gamma decay are described. The use of gamma decay in Moessbauer spectroscopy is presented.
My middle school teacher who taught me about conservation of energy was either unfamiliar with the mass-energy relationship or simply a liar.
ReplyDeletemaybe the teacher thought the topic was a bit advanced for middle school.
ReplyDeleteOn the whole, I thought the material was presented well. One of the questions you had at the end of lecture was "What type of gamma decay is expected from a 0+ to 0+ transition?" I must be confused-- how is there a transition from a spin state to that same spin state?
ReplyDeletecan't do this transition with a photon, which has a spin of 1. An internal conversion electron can be emitted during this de-excitation. Examples are the 72Ge and 214Po nucleus. If there is sufficient energy, such as for 42Ca, pair production can occur. Details on this are provided on page 12 of Gamma decay lecture 1.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of Mossbauer spectroscopy: do you have to change your source depending on the isotope you wanted to measure? The example in the lecture video was Co-57 to measure Fe-57.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have to change the source, how broadly can you use it to measure isotopes?
You need to change the source. The source decays to the isotope you wish to examine.
DeleteNo. In electron capture generally a K or L shell electron is capture by the nucleus, converting a proton to a neutron. In internal conversion the energy from an excited nuclear state is transferred to the atomic electrons. This is sufficient energy to liberate the electron.
ReplyDeleteSo based in the labs with gamma spectroscopy and reviewing these slides is the table of isotopes relied on heavily when dealing with gamma radiation/decay?
ReplyDeleteYes, the table of the isotopes is a good reference. It provides excellent detail about gamma energies and relative intensities.
DeleteAnswers to PDF quiz 6 posted.
ReplyDeleteInformation prepared me splendidly for the quizzes.
ReplyDeletethanks for the terrific comment.
DeleteI was very intrigued when I read about recoil and its various properties as I had never had heard of this type of vibrational motion before.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment
Delete