Question

After a low-probability alpha decay, ¹⁸²Os recoils. What is the kinetic energy of that recoil atom?

Answer 1

Here, it is given that the decay product is Osmium 182

So, the decay process is

The heat released is given by the mass difference of the reactants and products

The mass of Platinum 186 is 185.959 amu

The mass of Osmium 182 is 181.95 amu

The mass of an alpha particle is 4.002 amu

So, the mass difference is

dM = (185.959-(181.95 + 4.002) ) = 0.007 amu = 1.1623*10^-29 kg

The heat released is

Q = dM*c^2 = 1.1623*10^-29 *(3*10^8)^2 = 1.0461*10^-12 J

The kinetic energy of the recoil atom is given by

Here, A = 182

So,

In electron volt this will be