NUCLEAR REACTIONS INDUCED IN TANTALUM BY PROTONS OF ENERGY UP TO 84 MEV

Abstract

Nuclear reactions induced in tantalum by protons of energy up to 84 Mev have been studied and excitation functions obtained for products formed by (p,xn), (p,pxn), (p,2pxn), and (p,3pxn) reactions. Radiation characteristics of the products were redetermined. Previously unreported γ-rays with energies 90 to 1050 kev have been found for W 176 , and 113 kev for W 177 . A new half-life of 2.7 ± 0.1 hr for W 176 is reported. The cross sections for the (p,xn) reactions were compared with the values predicted by Jackson's schematic model and found to be in reasonable agreement. More complex reactions are discussed in the light of current nuclear theories.