Question:
Mx and My denote the atomic masses of the parent and the daughter nuclei respectively in a radioactive decay. The Q-value for a β– decay is Q1 and that for a β + decay is Q2. If me denotes the mass of an electron, then which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Q1 = (Mx – My) c2 and Q2 = (Mx – My – 2me )c2
(b) Q1 = (Mx – My ) c2 and Q2 = (Mx – My )c2
(c) Q1 = (Mx – My – 2me ) c2 and Q2 = (Mx – My +2 me )c2
(d) Q1 = (Mx – My + 2me ) c2 and Q2 = (Mx – My +2 me )c2
Solution:
(a) Q1 = (Mx – My) c2 and Q2 = (Mx – My – 2me )c2