Intro Template

Three Level System

Rate 1-> 2 =      Rate 2 ->3 =

In many cases, a parent nucleus, level 1, decays at a rate R12 into a daughter, level 2, that is not stable.  The daughter can proceed with decay to level 3 with a rate R23.  In this section, R23=2*R12 as in Figure 15-13 in the text.

Section 3 Exercises:

  1. Is the number of nuclei a constant?  If so, what is it?
  2. Is the decay of the parent exponential?  Measure the decay rate of the parent.

The number boxes above allow you to change the different rates.  Once you have entered the new rates, click "Set".  A copy of the graph window may be made by right-clicking in the graph window.  This window is static and may then be used for comparison purposes with a graph with new rates.

  1. Sketch what plots of N2 and N3 would look like if R23 >> R21.  Explain.   
  2. Sketch what plots of N2 and N3 would look like if R23 << R21.  Explain.