Question

The newly formed xenon nucleus is left in an excited state. Thus, when it decays to a state of lower energy a gamma ray is emitted. If the wavelength of the emitted gamma ray is 3.44×10−12 m , what is the decrease in mass, ΔmXe, of the xenon nucleus as a result of this decay?

Answer 1

Answer:3.87*10^-4

Explanation:

What is the decrease in mass, delta mass Xe , of the xenon nucleus as a result of this deca

We have been given the wavelength of the gamma ray, find the frequency using c = freq*wavelength.

C=f*lambda

3*10^8=f*3.44*10^-12

F=0.87*10^20 hz

Then with the frequency, find the energy emitted using equation

E=hf E = freq*Plank's constant

E=.87*10^20*6.62*10^-34

E=575.94*10^(-16)

With this energy, convert into MeV from joules.

With the energy in MeV, use E=mc^2 using c^2 = 931.5 MeV/u.

Plugging and computing all necessary numbers gives you

3.87*10^-4 u.