The width of a nuclear state is found to be 10^-² eV. The corresponding lifetime of this state is A)10^-36 s. B)10^-2 s. C)10^-4 s. D)4 × 10^-13 s. E)7 × 10^-14 s.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lifetime of a nuclear state is related to its width by the uncertainty principle: τ ≈ ħ/Γ. Using ħ ≈ 6.58 × 10^-16 eV·s and Γ = 10^-2 eV, τ ≈ 6.58 × 10^-14 s, which is closest to 7 × 10^-14 s.

The Width of a Nuclear State Is Found to Be