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Beta decay: Fermi vs Gamow-Teller

What you are seeing: selection rules for allowed beta decays. Fermi: ΔJ=0\Delta J = 0, no parity change. Gamow-Teller: ΔJ=0,±1\Delta J = 0, \pm 1 (but not 000 \to 0), no parity change. The Kurie plot at right is linear in T=QEeT = Q - E_e for any allowed transition.

Figure 1. Selection-rule classifier and Kurie plot.
2 J_i1/2
2 J_f1/2
Δπ
Q (keV)1000

WHAT TO TRY

  • Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
  • Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.