It is often possible to use atomic masses when calculating the binding energy of a nucleus. This is not true for calculating the Q value for the e⁺ decay process since A) the electron masses do not cancel. B) a positron is an antiparticle. C) the electron masses cancel. D) the mass of a positron cannot be neglected when compared to the mass of a nucleus. E) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Q value for a decay process involves the difference in mass-energy between the initial and final states. In the case of electron capture (e⁺ decay process), the mass of the electron is crucial because it is directly involved in the reaction, unlike in many nuclear reactions where electron masses can be neglected due to their relatively small mass compared to nucleons. The electron is not merely a spectator but participates in the reaction, thus its mass does not cancel out and must be considered in the calculation.

It Is Often Possible to Use Atomic Masses When Calculating