Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value)

Q = (m_{p a r e n t} - m_{d a ug h t er} - m_{α}) c^{2}

The energy released in alpha decay equals the mass difference times c². A positive Q-value means the decay is energetically allowed.

Variables

Energy released (Q-value)

m_{parent}

Parent nucleus mass

m_{daughter}

Daughter nucleus mass

m_\alpha

Alpha particle mass

Speed of light

m/s

Conservation of energy and mass-energy equivalence.

0/5000