Are the Energy Units in the Decay Diagram Correct for Pt-125?

In summary, there are some errors in the solution provided above, including incorrect units and references to wrong energy levels. It appears that the model answer is referring to the transition energy between two excited nuclear states, with one possible nuclear emission in the energy range of interest. To find the correct energies, it is suggested to check the characteristic X-rays for Pt-125.
  • #1
Graham87
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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1.png


In the solution below it says 22% goes to 0.0309keV. From the diagram above I interpret 22% goes to 0.1298keV with EC(L)/EC(K)=3.0 and not 4.4. Why is that wrong ?

Thanks alot!

2.png
 
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  • #2
Graham87 said:
View attachment 322938
In the solution below it says 22% goes to 0.0309keV. From the diagram above I interpret 22% goes to 0.1298keV with EC(L)/EC(K)=3.0 and not 4.4. Why is that wrong ?
View attachment 322939
Not sure how much I can help but there are some mistakes worth (IMO) mentioning.

Two excited nuclear energy levels (of Pt-125) are given as 0.1298MeV (=129.8keV) and 0.0989MeV (=98.9keV). Note that the difference between these is 0.0309MeV (= 30.9keV).

But there are then various references (including in the model-answer) to ‘0.1298keV’, ‘0.0989keV’ and ‘0.0309keV’. It appears that units are very messed up.

Also, the model-answer refers to an ‘energy level of 0.0309keV’. Even after correcting the unit, this value is not an energy level; it is the transition energy between the two excited nuclear states. What the model answer is telling you is that for each electron-capture, there are two possible nuclear emissions: a ##\gamma## photon of energy 30.9keV or one of 98.9keV. Note that only one of these is in the energy-range of interest.

I’m not familiar with some of the symbols used (despite several years of being a medical physicist in radiotherapy a long time ago). But I would suggest that you check the energies of characteristic X-rays for Pt-125 to see which ones are in the energy range of interest.

Edit: several minor changes.
 
Last edited:
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  • #3
Steve4Physics said:
Not sure how much I can help but there are some mistakes worth (IMO) mentioning.

Two excited nuclear energy levels (of Pt-125) are given as 0.1298MeV (=129.8keV) and 0.0989MeV (=98.9keV). Note that the difference between these is 0.0309MeV (= 30.9keV).

But there are then various references (including in the model-answer) to ‘0.1298keV’, ‘0.0989keV’ and ‘0.0309keV’. It appears that units are very messed up.

Also, the model-answer refers to an ‘energy level of 0.0309keV’. Even after correcting the unit, this value is not an energy level; it is the transition energy between the two excited nuclear states. (What the model answer is telling you is that for each electron-capture, there are two possible nuclear emissions: a ##\gamma## photon of energy 30.9keV or one of 98.9keV. Note that only one of these is in the energy-range of interest.

I’m not familiar with some of the symbols used (despite several years of being a medical physicist in radiotherapy a long time). But I would suggest that you check the energies of characteristic X-rays for Pt-125 to see which ones are in the energy range of interest.

Edit: minor changes only.
Thanks! Yes, you are right. Aparently the the solution is wrong. They wrote the wrong numbers above and used the right numbers during the calculations lol.
Thanks alot for the explanation!
3.png
 

FAQ: Are the Energy Units in the Decay Diagram Correct for Pt-125?

What is a decay diagram in radiation physics?

A decay diagram is a graphical representation that shows the sequence of decays that a radioactive isotope undergoes, including the intermediate states and the types of radiation emitted. It typically includes information about the energy levels of the parent and daughter isotopes, as well as the transitions between these energy levels.

How do you interpret a decay diagram?

To interpret a decay diagram, you need to identify the parent isotope and follow the arrows that indicate the decay processes. Each arrow represents a specific type of decay (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma) and points to the daughter isotope or an intermediate state. The diagram also often includes energy levels, which show the energy released or absorbed during each transition.

What types of radiation are shown in a decay diagram?

A decay diagram can show several types of radiation, including alpha particles (helium nuclei), beta particles (electrons or positrons), and gamma rays (high-energy photons). Each type of radiation is represented by different symbols or arrows to distinguish between them.

Why are decay diagrams important in radiation physics?

Decay diagrams are important because they provide a visual summary of the decay processes and energy transitions that occur in radioactive materials. This information is crucial for understanding the behavior of radioactive isotopes, predicting the types of radiation emitted, and assessing the potential risks and applications of these materials in fields such as medicine, nuclear energy, and environmental science.

How can decay diagrams be used in practical applications?

Decay diagrams are used in various practical applications, such as in medical diagnostics and treatment (e.g., using radioactive tracers or radiation therapy), in nuclear power generation (e.g., managing radioactive waste and understanding fuel behavior), and in environmental monitoring (e.g., tracking the spread of radioactive contaminants). They help scientists and engineers design safer and more effective technologies by providing detailed knowledge of radioactive decay processes.

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