Energy of Alpha and Beta Particles in Decay (HBL 7/9/2026)

By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Analyse graphs of energy of emitted particles in a decay process to determine the type of decay

2. Describe that the energy of alpha particles as a result of radioactive decay is discrete

3. Describe that beta particles have a continuous range of energies in beta decay due to the emission of neutrinos and antineutrinos

KINETIC ENERGY OF PARTICLES EMITTED IN DECAY

LO: Analyse graphs of energy of emitted particles in a decay process to determine the type of decay

KINETIC ENERGY OF PARTICLES EMITTED IN DECAY

LO: Describe that the energy of alpha particles as a result of radioactive decay is discrete and that beta particles have a continuous range of energies in beta decay

DISCRETE CONTINUOUS RANGE

ENERGY OF ALPHA PARTICLES

LO: Describe that the energy of alpha particles as a result of radioactive decay is discrete and that beta particles have a continuous range of energies in beta decay

To conserve energy and momentum, energy is shared in specific portions between the daughter nucleus and the alpha particle.

ENERGY OF BETA PARTICLES

LO: Describe that the energy of alpha particles as a result of radioactive decay is discrete and that beta particles have a continuous range of energies in beta decay

Energy shared between daughter nucleus, beta particle, and neutrinos/antineutrinos.

The beta particle does not receive all the energy, but rather share it with the neutrinos

By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Analyse graphs of energy of emitted particles in a decay process to determine the type of decay

2. Describe that the energy of alpha particles as a result of radioactive decay is discrete

3. Describe that beta particles have a continuous range of energies in beta decay due to the emission of neutrinos and antineutrinos

2 more lessons before the finish line!

NEARING THE END

Let's reflect.