Why do alpha particles have discrete energies?

If it is pure alpha decay, than it is a 2-body problem so there is a unique solution to conserve energy (released) and momentum (net zero), so the alpha comes out at a single energy. (If there are multiple final energy states of the daughter nucleus, than there may be several possible alpha energies).

Why do beta rays have a continuous energy spectrum?

Energy distribution of β rays is continuous because β emission occurs alongwith the emission of another particle, called antineutrino. The energy of the pair of particles emitted is constant. But on account of intersection between the two particles, their energy is shared. Hence β rays have continuous energy.

Are gamma rays discrete or continuous?

Nuclei and Nuclear Radiations (2.29) Gamma quanta are emitted when the nucleus passes to the ground state from the excited ones, which are formed either in the processes of alpha or beta decay, or in nuclear reactions. The energy spectrum of gamma radiation is always discrete.

What do all the types of radiation have in common?

Radio, microwaves, UV, visible light and gamma rays have completely different effects, but they’re all exactly the same kind of thing: electromagnetic radiation (EMR). They’re just waves of energy travelling through space — or through things.

Why energy of alpha particle is discrete in alpha decay?

Because the alpha particles do not have enough energy to pass over the potential wall confining it. Hence the Alpha particles escape from the nucleus by tunneling through the wall. The energy spectrum of alpha particles is discrete.

Why Beta particles have discrete energies?

Since the electrons are emitted as a stream of discrete particles, β decay is not continuous. The continuous energy spectrum occurs because Q is shared between the electron and the antineutrino. A typical Q is around 1 MeV, but it can range from a few keV to a few tens of MeV.

Why is the gamma spectrum discrete?

Alpha and gamma radiation have discrete energy levels since all the decay energy goes into the alpha particle or the gamma ray. During beta decay, the decay energy is divided between the beta particle and the antineutrino. Since they split the energy the beta particle has a variable amount of energy.

Is alpha radiation continuous?

Continuous energy spectra of protons and alpha particles have been studied in the deuteron-alpha particle scattering at the incident deuteron energy of 14.2 MeV. The angular dependence of these alpha particles shows a forward peak in the laboratory system and it may be explained by an exchange process.

What is radiation and types of radiation?

In physics, radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material medium. This includes: electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma radiation (γ)