Question

Why was it suprising that electrons were emitted at various energies? Consider alpha decay. A parent nucleus decays into a daughter nucleus and an alpha particle. Couldn't the decay energy be variably shared across the daughter nucleus and the alpha particle, such that the alpha particle is emitted with a range of energies as well?

Answer 1

The energy distribution of electrons emitted in alpha decay can vary due to the redistribution of energy within the daughter nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The surprising aspect of electrons being emitted at various energies in alpha decay is due to the conservation of energy. In alpha decay, a parent nucleus decays into a daughter nucleus and an alpha particle. While it is possible for the decay energy to be variably shared across the daughter nucleus and the alpha particle, the total energy released in the decay process remains constant.

When an alpha particle is emitted, it carries a specific energy determined by the specific decay process. This energy is typically fixed and does not vary significantly. However, the energy of the electrons emitted in alpha decay can vary due to the redistribution of energy within the daughter nucleus. Electrons within the daughter nucleus can acquire different amounts of energy, resulting in the emission of electrons with varying energies.