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E = mc2 - mass energy conversion

Q5.

(a) Calculate the binding energy, in MeV, of a nucleus of given that

the nuclear mass of = 58.93320 u

[3 marks]

(b) A nucleus of iron decays into a stable nucleus of cobalt.

It decays by β− emission, followed by the emission of γ-radiation as the nucleus de-excites into its ground state.

The total energy released when the nucleus decays is 2.52 × 10−13 J.

The nucleus can decay to one of three excited states of the nucleus as shown in the diagram below - the energies of the excited states are shown relative to the ground state.

Calculate the maximum possible kinetic energy, in MeV, of the β− particle emitted when the nucleus decays into an excited state that has energy above the ground state.

[2 marks]

(c) Following the production of excited states of , γ-radiation of discrete wavelengths is emitted.

(i) State the maximum number of discrete wavelengths that could be emitted.

[1 mark]

(ii) Calculate the longest wavelength of the emitted γ-radiation.

[3 marks]

(Total 9 marks)