YAD-007 · Radioactivity Sample material

Alpha and beta decay and gamma transitions

Energetics of alpha decay and Gamow's theory, types of beta decay, the neutrino and Fermi's theory, radioactive series and transuranium elements, multipolarity of gamma transitions, selection rules, internal conversion and resonant scattering of gamma rays.

Estimated time: 3 h 3 activities

Learning objective

Learn to calculate alpha and beta decay energies from atomic masses.
Understand the tunnelling theory of alpha decay and the Geiger–Nuttall law.
Be able to explain the continuous beta spectrum and the neutrino hypothesis.
Apply selection rules to gamma transitions and know the conditions for internal conversion and resonant scattering.

Expected outcomes

Can calculate the Q value and the energies of the alpha particle and recoil nucleus.
Can write and check the energy conditions for β⁻, β⁺ and electron capture.
Can determine the number of alpha and beta decays in a radioactive series.
Can determine the multipolarity of a gamma transition and calculate the conversion-electron energy.

Interactive modelPenetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma radiation
Interactive modelSuccessive radioactive decay

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Alpha decay. Beta decay. Gamma radiation of nuclei. Description of gamma transitions. Radioactive families. Radioactive series and transuranium elements
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Alpha decay. Beta decay. Gamma radiation of nuclei. Description of gamma transitions. Radioactive families. Radioactive series and transuranium elements
  • Final test — at least 70%