Hint: The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons is equal to the Q-value.
Step 1: Write down the β-decay equation.
In emission, the number of protons increases by 1, and one electron and an antineutrino are emitted from the parent nucleus.
emission of the nucleus
Step 2: Find the Q-value of the reaction.
It is given that:
The atomic mass of =22.994466 u
The atomic mass of =22.99770 u
Mass of an electron, =0.00058 u
Q-value of the given reaction is given as:
There are 10 electrons in \({ }_{10}^{23} \mathrm{Na}\) and 11 electrons in . Hence, the mass of the electron is cancelled in the Q-value equation.
therfore, Q=[22.994466-22.989770]=(0.004696 ) u
But 1 u=931.5 Mev/
Step 3: Find the maximu kinetic energy of the electrons emitted.
The daughter nucleus is too heavy as compared to . Hene, it carries negligible energy. The kinetic energy of the antineutrino is nearly zero. Hence, the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is almost equal to the Q-value, i.e., 4.374 Me.