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Alpha Decay Quantum Tunneling

1) Radioactive decay, such as alpha decay, can be explained by quantum tunneling. 2) In alpha decay, an alpha particle tunnels through the nuclear potential barrier and is emitted from an unstable nucleus. 3) The potential energy curve shows that the strong nuclear force only dominates at very small radii, while the Coulomb force dominates at larger radii, creating a potential barrier through which alpha particles can tunnel.

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127 views3 pages

Alpha Decay Quantum Tunneling

1) Radioactive decay, such as alpha decay, can be explained by quantum tunneling. 2) In alpha decay, an alpha particle tunnels through the nuclear potential barrier and is emitted from an unstable nucleus. 3) The potential energy curve shows that the strong nuclear force only dominates at very small radii, while the Coulomb force dominates at larger radii, creating a potential barrier through which alpha particles can tunnel.

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wizdev
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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http://phet.colorado.

edu/en/simulation/quantum-tunneling
Application of Quantum
Tunneling:
Radioactive decay
George Gamow: 1928

Radioactive decay Radioactive decay


(Quantum tunneling – George Gamow)
Proton (positive charge) In alpha-decay, an alpha-particle is
Neutron (no charge) emitted from the nucleus.
Nucleus is unstable → ejects alpha particle (2 netrons, 2 protons)
Polonium-210 Lead-206
Typically found for large atoms with lots of protons and neutrons. 84 protons, 82 protons,
126 neutrons 124 neutrons
Polonium-210 Proton (positive charge)
Neutron (no charge)
84 protons,
126 neutrons Nucleus has lots of protons and lots of
neutrons. This raises the ratio of neutrons
Two forces acting in nucleus: to protons - makes for a more
- Coulomb force .. Protons really close
together, so very big repulsion from
stable atom.
coulomb force (Neutrons are neutral.. no
- Nuclear force (attraction between nuclear coulomb repulsion, but nuclear
particles is very strong if very close force attraction)
together) - called the STRONG Force.

How to figure out what's going on? Potential energy curve for the α particle
Starting point: Always look at potential energy curve for particle! KE
+
Nucleus New nucleus Alpha particle
KE
+ (Z protons, (Z-2 protons, (2 protons,
Nucleus New nucleus Alpha particle & bunch of neutrons) bunch of neutrons) 2 neutrons)
(Z protons, (Z-2 protons, (2 protons,
& bunch of neutrons) bunch of neutrons) 2 neutrons) Strong attractive force Look at this system- as the
(Nuclear forces) distance between the alpha particle
Now look at this system- as the and the nucleus changes.
distance between the alpha particle
As we bring the α particle closer to the core,
and the nucleus changes. V(r) what happens to potential energy?

r
As we bring the α particle closer to the core,
what happens to potential energy? Coulomb repulsion: V=0 for r  ∞
kq q k ( Z − 2)(e)(2e)
Nucleus: V (r ) = 1 2 =
(Z-2) protons r r
very small r (~1fm):
nuclear force dominates Wave function picture:

Energy
~30 MeV
V(r) ‘Large’ r: coulomb force dominates
Energy

kq1q2 k ( Z − 2)(e)(2e) Exponential decay in the barrier


V (r ) = = V(r)
r r

1 to 10 MeV ~1-10MeV of KE
r outside
~100MeV Wave function of the free particle:
Edge of the nucleus (~8x10-15 m), of KE inside ‘small’ KE  Large wavelength
Nuclear (‘Strong’) force starts acting the nucleus
strong attraction between nucleons. Wave function of the particle
Potential energy drops dramatically. inside the potential well: Large
KE  small Wavelength

Observations show Alpha-particles from the same Solving Schrodinger


chemical element exit with a range of energies. equation for this Square barrier is much easier-
Energy

potential energy is hard! and get almost the same answer!


V(x) V(x)
V(r)
9 MeV KE
4 MeV KE

Different KE in different isotopes


Isotope: Different types of atoms of the
same chemical element (same number of
protons but different numbers of neutrons.)
We have already seen isotopes of hydrogen
in this class: Hydrogen(1p, 0n), Deuterium
(1p, 1n) and Tritium (1p, 2n).

# neutrons influence nuclear potential

Nuclear Physics Sim Remember this picture?

phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Alpha_Decay
Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) “See” |Ψ|2 of electrons!

Measure current
between tip and
The probability to
sample
find an electron that
is trapped inside this
ring of atoms is
highest at the place,
where the square of
the amplitude of the
electron wave
function is largest.

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