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GATE 2024 PH – Question 19

Nuclear and Particle Physics · alpha decay, beta-decay, electromagnetic transitions in nuclei · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Let Ne and Te, respectively, denote number and kinetic energy of electrons produced in a nuclear beta decay. Which one of the following distributions is correct?

Four candidate beta-electron energy distributions.
  1. Option A in the figure
  2. Option B in the figure
  3. Option C in the figure
  4. Option D in the figure

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Option B in the figure

Explanation

Three-body beta decay produces a continuous electron-energy spectrum with a finite endpoint, rather than a monoenergetic line.