- #1
rwooduk
- 762
- 59
Homework Statement
Homework Equations
See below.
The Attempt at a Solution
We have β+ decay ##X_{Z}^{A} \rightarrow Y_{Z-1}^{A}+ e^{+}+\upsilon _{e}## which leads to the mass condition ##M(A,Z)>m(A,Z-1)+2m_{e}##.
We have electron capture ##X_{Z}^{A} + e^{-}\rightarrow Y_{Z-1}^{A}+ \upsilon _{e}## which leads to the mass condition ##M(A,Z)>m(A,Z-1)+\frac{\varepsilon }{c^{2}}##.
Those are the mass conditions. From my notes it says ##\frac{\varepsilon }{c^{2}}\ll m(A,Z-1)## therefore electron capture can happen whenever β+ decay does, but β+ decay is more likely. I am unsure about this statement or how it helps distinguish which one would happen for certain conditions.
Any ideas would really be appreciated.