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Physical Review

Quantum Mechanics and Radioactive Disintegration

Ronald W. Gurney, E. U. Condon

Published Feb 1, 1929• 420 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Application of quantum mechanics to a simple model of the nucleus gives the phenomenon of radioactive disintegration. The statistical nature of the quantum mechanics gives directly disintegration as a chance phenomenon without any special hypothesis. \textsection{}1 contains a presentation of those features of quantum mechanics which are here used and gives a simple calculation of the disintegration constant. \textsection{}2 discusses the qualitative application of the model to the nucleus. \textsection{}3 presents quantitative calculations amounting to a theoretical interpretation of the Geiger-Nuttall relation between the rate of disintegration and the energy of the emitted $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle. In getting this relation one arrives at the rather remarkable conclusion that the law of force between emitted $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle and the rest of the nucleus is substantially the same in all the atoms even where the decay rates stand in the ratio ${10}^{22}$. \textsection{}4 calls attention to the natural way in which the paradoxical results of Rutherford and Chadwick on the scattering of fast $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles by uranium receive explanation with the model here used. \textsection{}5 discusses certain limitations inherent in the methods employed.

DOI
10.1103/physrev.33.127

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Application of quantum mechanics to a simple model of the nucleus gives the phenomenon of radioactive disintegration. The statistical nature of the quantum mechanics gives directly disintegration as a chance phenomenon without any special hypothesis. \textsection{}1 contains a presentation of those features of quantum mechanics which are here used and gives a simple calculation of the disintegration constant. \textsection{}2 discusses the qualitative application of the model to the nucleus. \textsection{}3 presents quantitative calculations amounting to a theoretical interpretation of the Geiger-Nuttall relation between the rate of disintegration and the energy of the emitted \ensuremathα\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremathα-particle. In getting this relation one arrives at the rather remarkable conclusion that the law of force between emitted \ensuremathα\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremathα-particle and the rest of the nucleus is substantially the same in all the atoms even where the decay rates stand in the ratio 1022{10}^{22}1022. \textsection{}4 calls attention to the natural way in which the paradoxical results of Rutherford and Chadwick on the scattering of fast \ensuremathα\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremathα-particles by uranium receive explanation with the model here used. \textsection{}5 discusses certain limitations inherent in the methods employed.
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Abstract This chapter explores the quantum uncertainty and unknown of the nucleus and its role as the engine of the stars. It elaborates on the theory behind quantum mechanics to further understand the stability of atoms and matter. Among its many implications, quantum mechanics dictates that an electron cannot go wherever it pleases in an atom, so electrons in atoms follow a fundamental regularity. The chapter explains the golden rule of quantum physics concerning higher and lower momentum or energy and the phenomenon of beta decay concerned with the charge of a nucleus changing by one unit. It looks into the consequences of nature seeking stability to reduce the energy in an unstable configuration.