Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value)
The energy released in alpha decay equals the mass difference times c². A positive Q-value means the decay is energetically allowed.
Variables
Derivation
Conservation of energy and mass-energy equivalence.
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Common questions
What is the Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value) formula?
Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value) is written Q = (mₚₐᵣₑₙₜ - mdₐᵤgₕₜₑᵣ - m_α)c². The energy released in alpha decay equals the mass difference times c². A positive Q-value means the decay is energetically allowed. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Nuclear Physics.
What are the units in Q = (mₚₐᵣₑₙₜ - mdₐᵤgₕₜₑᵣ - m_α)c²?
In SI units, Q is energy released (q-value), measured in J; m_{parent} is parent nucleus mass, measured in kg; m_{daughter} is daughter nucleus mass, measured in kg; m_\alpha is alpha particle mass, measured in kg; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.
How is the Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value) formula derived?
Conservation of energy and mass-energy equivalence. The result is Q = (mₚₐᵣₑₙₜ - mdₐᵤgₕₜₑᵣ - m_α)c².