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Calculate decay energy online with steps. Find Q-value, mass difference, and nuclear decay energy in MeV, keV, eV, or joules.
A Decay Energy Calculator finds the energy released in nuclear decay. It uses the mass of the parent and decay products. You can get the answer in MeV, keV, eV, or joules.
Our calculator makes this process quick. You don't need to solve each step by hand. Just enter the mass data and choose the decay type.
Decay energy is the energy gained from a nuclear decay. It comes from a small loss of mass.
Think of mass as stored energy. When a nucleus changes, some mass may turn into energy. This energy can leave the atom as heat, light, or particle motion.
A positive decay energy means the decay can release energy.
This value is also called the Q-value.
The main decay energy formula is:
Decay Energy = Mass Difference × 931.494 MeV
First, find the mass difference:
Mass Difference = Parent Mass − Total Product Mass
Then use:
Q = Δm × 931.494 MeV
Here, Δm must be in atomic mass units, or u.
The value 931.494 MeV is the energy equal to one atomic mass unit.
For a general decay:
Q = (Parent Mass − Product Masses) × 931.494
For beta-plus decay, the electron mass needs a special correction.
For electron capture, the decay type also needs care. Our calculator handles these decay modes with separate rules.
You can use our online Decay energy calculator with steps in a few simple steps.
The result can show MeV, keV, eV, and joules. This makes the tool useful for class work, lab work, and physics study.
Let's use alpha decay as a simple example.
Suppose a parent has a mass of:
238.05078826 u
The daughter has a mass of:
234.043601 u
The alpha particle has a mass of:
4.002603254 u
First, find the mass change:
Δm = 238.05078826 − 234.043601 − 4.002603254
Δm ≈ 0.004583006 u
Now find the decay energy:
Q = 0.004583006 × 931.494
Q ≈ 4.27 MeV
So, the decay gives about:
4.27 MeV
To change MeV to joules:
Energy = 4.27 × 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹³
Energy ≈ 6.84 × 10⁻¹³ J
This shows how a tiny mass loss can give a large energy value.
The calculator is based on Einstein's mass-energy idea:
E = mc²
In nuclear physics, the mass change is very small. Yet the energy can be large.
The calculator uses atomic mass units to make nuclear mass work easy. It then changes the mass value into energy.
This makes the tool useful for nuclear decay problems. It can also help with Q-value calculations and nuclear reaction studies.
Our Decay Energy Calculator makes nuclear decay math easy. It finds the mass change first. Then it turns that change into energy.
You can use it for alpha decay, beta decay, electron capture, and custom decay cases.
If you're solving a physics problem, this tool can save time. It also shows the key steps, so you can check the result with ease.
A Decay Energy Calculator finds the energy released or needed during nuclear decay. It uses mass change and the mass-energy relation.
The main formula is:
Q = Δm × 931.494 MeV
Here, Δm is the mass change in u.
A positive Q-value means the decay can release energy. A negative value means energy input is needed.
Decay energy is often given in MeV. You can also use keV, eV, or joules.
One atomic mass unit has an energy value near 931.494 MeV. This lets you change mass loss into energy.
Yes. The calculator supports beta-minus and beta-plus decay. It also uses the needed electron mass rule for beta-plus decay.
Yes. The calculator can convert kg to atomic mass units before it finds the decay energy.
Yes. In nuclear decay, the released energy is commonly called the Q-value.