A radioactive nucleus at rest decays into a second nucleus, an electron, and a n

Question

A radioactive nucleus at rest decays into a second nucleus, an electron, and a neutrino. The electron and neutrino are emitted at right angles and have momenta of 9.70 10-23kg·m/s, and 5.50 10-23 kg·m/s, respectively. What is the magnitude and direction of the momentum of the second (recoiling) nucleus?(Hint: Since momentum is a vector, use conservation of momentum in the two directions, independently.)

Magnitude_______kg·m/s

Direction_______° (measured from the direction opposite to the electron's momentum)

Thanks!

Explanation / Answer

momentum alon x axis = Px = 9.7 e -23

momentum along y axis = Py = 5.5 e -23

net momemtum P^2 = Px^2 + py^2

P^2 = 9.7^2 + 5.5^2

P = 11.15 e -23 Kgms

---------------------------------

apply for durection tan theta = Py/Px

tan theta = 5.5/9.7

tan theta = 0.567

theta = 29.55 deg

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects