Question

Tritium 3 1H decays to 3 2He by beta emission. Find the energy released in the process. Answer in units of keV.

Answer 1

Answer:

The energy released in the decay process = 18.63 keV

Explanation:

To solve this question, we have to calculate the binding energy of each isotope and then take the difference.

The mass of Tritium = 3.016049 amu.

So,the binding energy of Tritium =  3.016049 *931.494 MeV

= 2809.43155 MeV.

The mass of Helium 3 = 3.016029 amu.

So, the binding energy of Helium 3 = 3.016029 * 931.494 MeV

= 2809.41292 MeV.

The difference between the binding energy of Tritium and the binding energy of Helium is: 32809.43155 - 2809.412 = 0.01863 MeV

1 MeV = 1000keV.

Thus, 0.01863 MeV = 0.01863*1000keV = 18.63 keV.

So, the energy released in the decay process = 18.63 keV.