Difference in binding energies

In summary: Ordinary radioactive decay (atoms just sitting around)?In summary, Bob SI learned something new about decay processes that affects the binding energy of a nucleus. The binding energy is the difference between the masses of the nuclei - the electron masses don't enter into the calculation. The decay beta mass is the difference between the masses of the nucleus and the decay beta final state is the bound 1s atomic state.
  • #1
rp8308
15
0
if i calculate the change in binding energy in a decay process such as B-decay using SEMF, and then i calculate the same difference in binding energy using the difference in atomic masses and electron masses. why are they different?
 
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  • #2
The binding energy is the difference between the masses of the nuclei - the electron masses don't enter into the calculation.
 
  • #3
mathman said:
The binding energy is the difference between the masses of the nuclei - the electron masses don't enter into the calculation.
See the thread

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=333491

The neutral 163Dy atom is stable, but it has a beta decay half life of 47 days when all the atomic electrons are stripped off.

See
"ound-state -decay was experimentally observed for the very first
time at the [CERN] heavy ion storage ESR . For this pilot experiment a striking example
has been chosen: 163Dy, which is stable as a neutral atom because the Q-value for
continuum -decay to 163Ho is negative, Q c = −2:56keV, might decay as a bare ion
by b-decay to the ground state of 163Ho with a positive Q-value of roughly 50keV
for the electron being emitted into the K-shell of the daughter atom. This decay
has indeed been observed and the measured half-life of (48+5
−4)d agrees nicely with
the theoretically expected half-life of 50d ."


in page 14 of

http://cdsweb.cern.ch/record/410569/files/ep-99-165.pdf

Bob S
 
Last edited:
  • #4
I learned something new. It still doesn't address the original binding energy question.
 
  • #5
mathman said:
I learned something new. It still doesn't address the original binding energy question.
In the case of 163Dy and 163Ho, neither the difference in atomic masses nor the difference in nuclear masses (using semi-empirical mass formula) predict that the 163Dy atom or the bare 163Dy nucleus is radioactive, after accounting for the decay beta mass. But 163Dy is radioactive anyway, only because the decay beta final state is the bound 1s atomic state of 163Ho (about 61 KeV). So electron mass and the atomic electron binding energies (including the atomic binding energy of the decay beta) sometimes play a key role in determining whether a nucleus is stable.

Bob S
 
  • #6
What about ordinary radioactive decay (atoms just sitting around)?
 

Related to Difference in binding energies

1. What is binding energy and why is it important in science?

Binding energy is the amount of energy required to break apart the bonds between particles or atoms within a system. It is important in science because it helps us understand the stability of different systems and how energy is stored and released in chemical reactions and nuclear processes.

2. How does binding energy differ between different types of bonds?

The magnitude of binding energy varies depending on the type of bond. Covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, typically have higher binding energy compared to ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred between atoms. Additionally, the binding energy of nuclear bonds is much greater than that of chemical bonds.

3. Can binding energy be measured experimentally?

Yes, binding energy can be measured experimentally using various methods such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray crystallography. These techniques allow scientists to study the interactions between particles and determine the strength of their bonds.

4. What factors affect the binding energy between particles?

The binding energy between particles is influenced by several factors, including the distance between the particles, the type of bond, the number of particles involved, and the presence of any external forces or fields. Temperature and pressure can also impact binding energy in certain systems.

5. How does understanding binding energy contribute to the development of new technologies?

Understanding binding energy is crucial in the design and development of new technologies, particularly in the fields of materials science and energy production. It helps scientists and engineers predict the stability and behavior of materials and reactions, leading to the creation of more efficient and durable products and processes.

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