It is often possible to use atomic masses when calculating the binding energy of a nucleus.This is not true for calculating the Q value for the e+ decay process since:
A)the electron masses do not cancel.
B)a positron is an antiparticle.
C)the electron masses cancel.
D)the mass of a positron cannot be neglected when compared to the mass of a nucleus.
E)none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In positron decay, the mass of the electron does not cancel out because a positron (the antiparticle of an electron) is emitted, and its mass must be considered in the Q value calculation.

It Is Often Possible to Use Atomic Masses When Calculating