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Next: The decay constant Up: Fermi theory of beta Previous: Phase space factor

The beta spectrum

The beta energy spectrum is

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This shape differs for tex2html_wrap_inline2129 and tex2html_wrap_inline2211 because of the Fermi factor. The tex2html_wrap_inline2211 is repelled by the nuclear charge, while the tex2html_wrap_inline2129 is attracted.

The spectrum can also be expressed in terms of the momentum (as would be measured in a magnetic spectrometer)

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Deviations near the endpoint tex2html_wrap_inline2187 (from the neutrino mass) are most easily observed in the Kurie plot

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Physics Department
Wed Nov 6 08:30:28 GMT+0200 1996