Re: Decay properties change at temperature extremes?

[dsimpson@unlnotes01.unl.edu]

A short discussion on  half-life variability resulting from chemical changes is
given in the GE Chart of the Nuclides booklet (p. 9 in my 15th edition).  The
very slight change observed is attributed to the change in electron density
around the nucleus and is associated with decay mechanisms such as electron
capture that are related to electron density.  No mention is made of temperature
changes affecting half-lives, but you might want to look at the reference they
give:  "Survey on the Rate Perturbation of Nuclear Decay" by H.P. Hahn et al. in
Radiochimica Acta, vol. 23, pp 23-37 (1976).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David R. Simpson, PhD, CHP
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
dsimpson1@unl.edu
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++







"Zoon, Robert (OD)" <razoon@exchange.nih.gov> on 11/15/99 09:55:16 AM

Please respond to radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                


                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
 To:      Multiple recipients of list                         
          <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>                      
                                                              
 cc:      (bcc: David Simpson/UNLusrv/UNL/UNEBR)              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
 Subject: Decay properties change at temperature extremes?    
                                                              








Dear Radsafer's:

One of our scientists has posed the question below and I said that, although I
believe the answer is no from everything I have been taught about radioactive
decay, I would try to see if any research has been done in this area:

The question is:  Is there any change in the decay properties of alpha or beta
emitters at extremes of temperature, either high or low?  His specific range of
interest was 0 - 500 degrees Kelvin.  I wouldn't expect any change at 500 K,
which is only about 227 degrees C.  However, a lot of strange things happen as
materials approach absolute zero.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, even a contact at a university or
research laboratory.

Bob Zoon
Radiation Safety Officer, NIH
301-496-2254

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html



************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html