Alpha Particle Velocity Calculator for Nuclear Decay

The velocity of an alpha particle (V_α) can be calculated using the kinetic energy released during the decay (K_α) and the alpha particle's mass (m_α). The kinetic energy of the alpha particle is derived from the total decay energy (Q-value) and the mass numbers of the parent (A) and daughter nuclei.

• Q: Total decay energy (Q-value) in MeV
• A: Mass number of the parent nucleus
• m_α: Mass of an alpha particle (approx. 4.002603 u)

First, calculate the kinetic energy of the alpha particle (K_α) in MeV:

K_α = Q × ((A - 4) / A)

Then, convert K_α from MeV to Joules and m_α from atomic mass units (u) to kilograms (kg) using conversion factors:

1 MeV = 1.60218 × 10^-13 J

1 u = 1.660539 × 10^-27 kg

Finally, calculate the velocity in meters per second:

V_α = √(2 × K_{α_J} / m_{α_kg})