The α-decay of 95241Am occurs in three different modes, two of which are accompanied by γ-decay. The energies involved in these three decay modes are
- α-decay : 5.443 MeV and γ-decay : 0.102 MeV or 0.043 MeV + 0.059 MeV,
- α-decay : 5.486 MeV and γ-decay : 0.059 MeV and
- α-decay : 5.545 MeV.
a. a Verify that in these three decay modes, the same amount of total energy is released.
b. b Explain why this must be the case.
c. c On the basis of this information, sketch a simple energy level diagram for the nucleus of a neptunium-237 atom.
d. d How do the magnitudes of the nuclear energy levels compare with those of electron energy levels in atoms?
e. e So, generally, how do the energies of electromagnetic radiations emitted from atoms—as a result of electron energy level transitions—compare with the energies of γ-rays emitted from excited nuclei?