- #1
Masafi
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Most smoke detectors contain an isotope of Americium (241Am), the nuclei of which decay by emitting an alpha particle. When a nucleus of Americium emits an alpha particle the principle of conservation of momentum and the principle of conservation of energy are obeyed.
Show that the ratio (KE of alpha particle)/(KE of resulting nucles) is about 60 and briefly discuss the origin of this energy.
The answer given is:
E = mc^2 (energy must have come from mass)
Total mass after is a little less than before
I don't get what this means??
Show that the ratio (KE of alpha particle)/(KE of resulting nucles) is about 60 and briefly discuss the origin of this energy.
The answer given is:
E = mc^2 (energy must have come from mass)
Total mass after is a little less than before
I don't get what this means??