Question 4 – 15 points 4. Some radioactive nuclei, e.g. Phos…
Question 4 – 15 points 4. Some radioactive nuclei, e.g. Phosphorus-32, emit electrons (“beta radioactivity”). Here we consider if Gamow’s model of radioactivity can be applied to understand beta emission. 4a) As in the case of alpha emission, consider the electron to be trapped inside the original nucleus in a square well. Outside the square well, the electron will feel the Coulomb force due to the final nucleus. Write an expression for the energy of the electron as a function of the distance from the nucleus. 4b) Sketch the potential of part a). 4c) Discuss if Gamow’s model can be applied to beta decay.