Internal conversion is a non-radiative process where an excited nucleus transfers its energy to an atomic electron, causing the electron to be ejected. This process competes with gamma decay and is significant in nuclear physics as it provides an alternative pathway for de-excitation of excited nuclear states.

Internal Conversion

Internal conversion

non-radiative process

excited nucleus

Energy transfer is the process by which energy moves from one system or object to another, often changing form in the process. This fundamental concept is crucial for understanding various physical phenomena, from biological processes to mechanical systems and thermodynamics.

Energy Transfer

atomic electron

Electron ejection refers to the process where an electron is removed from an atom or molecule, typically due to energy absorption from a photon or collision with another particle. This phenomenon is fundamental to understanding photoelectric effects, ionization, and chemical reactions involving electron transfer.

Electron Ejection

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. This process does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus, but it allows the nucleus to transition to a lower energy state, often following alpha or beta decay.

gamma decay

Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions, focusing on understanding the fundamental forces and particles that govern nuclear reactions and stability. It has significant applications in energy production, medical imaging, and understanding the universe's elemental composition.

nuclear physics

de-excitation

Excited nuclear states occur when a nucleus absorbs energy, elevating it to a higher energy level before it eventually returns to its ground state, often emitting gamma rays in the process. These states provide insights into nuclear structure and dynamics, and are crucial for understanding nuclear reactions and decay processes.

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