BRAINCAKEMass-Energy Equivalence
In radioactive decay, energy is released. The total mass of all the decay products after the decay is less than the total mass of the nucleus before the decay as some of the mass has been converted to the energy released.
The relationship between the energy released Q and the difference in mass Δm is that Q = Δmc2 where c is the speed of light in a vacuum.
One atomic mass unit = 1.661 x 10-27kg = 931.3 MeV.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- Radioactive decay
- The random and spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nucleus, emitting radiation, with each nucleus having a constant probability of decaying per unit time.
More in Nuclear Energy
- Strong Nuclear Force
- Binding Energy and Nuclear Stability
- Quantum Tunnelling
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nuclear Reactors
- Safety
All 8 lessons in Nuclear Energy · All AQA A-level Physics topics