In a gamma decay process, the internal energy of a nucleus of mass M decreases, a gamma photon of energy E and linear momentum E/c is emitted and the nucleus recoils. Find the decrease in internal energy.
Given that the internal energy of a nucleus of mass M decreases,
Gamma photon energy is E,
Linear momentum is E/c and the nucleus recoils.
Then, kinetic energy (K.E) of nucleus is
Energy limited by gamma photon is E
Thus, decrease in internal energy will be equal to sum of energy limited by gamma photon and kinetic energy of nucleus.
So, Decrease in internal energy,