Neutron probes are used in agronomy to measure the moisture content of soil. A pellet of 241Am241Am emits alpha particles that cause a beryllium disk to emit neutrons. These neutrons move out into the soil where they are reflected back into the probe by the hydrogen nuclei in water. The neutron count is thus indicative of the moisture content near the probe. What is the energy of the alpha particle emitted by the 241Am

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter14: Nuclear Physics Applications
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 41P
icon
Related questions
Question

Neutron probes are used in agronomy to measure the moisture content of soil. A pellet of 241Am241Am emits alpha particles that cause a beryllium disk to emit neutrons. These neutrons move out into the soil where they are reflected back into the probe by the hydrogen nuclei in water. The neutron count is thus indicative of the moisture content near the probe.

What is the energy of the alpha particle emitted by the 241Am

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781111794378
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168000
Author:
Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:
OpenStax College
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern …
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern …
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553292
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 3
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax