- #1
richphys
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Homework Statement
A 191Os nucleus decays via β- emission to an excited state of 191Ir at 171 keV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the electron on the β spectrum?
a) 0.134 MeV
b) 0.143 MeV
c) 0.171 MeV
d) 1.859 MeV
Homework Equations
191 Os = 190.960928u
191 Ir = 190.960591u
(190.960928u - 190.960591u) * 931.5MeV/u = 0.3139 MeV
0.3139 MeV - 0.171 MeV = 0.143 MeV
The Attempt at a Solution
[/B]
I am unsure if my answer of 0.143 MeV is correct. In my notes it says the maximum kinetic energy is equal to the Q value of the reaction, so I wokred out the Q value above then subtracted the "excited state" value.