Energies of gamma rays are typically expressed in units of megaelectron volts (MeV), where 1 MeV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹³ J. Energies of gamma rays emitted when nitrogen-11 gives off a beta particle is 1.508 × 10^-12 J. What is its energy in MeV?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To convert the energy from joules to MeV, divide the energy in joules by the energy equivalent of 1 MeV in joules: $1.508 \times 10^{-12} \, \text{J} \div 1.602 \times 10^{-13} \, \text{J/MeV} = 9.41 \, \text{MeV}$.

Energies of Gamma Rays Are Typically Expressed in Units of Megaelectron