Kurie Plot

A Kurie plot is a graph used in nuclear physics to analyze beta decay, where a radioactive atom emits an electron. It plots the square root of the decay rate against the energy of the emitted electrons. This specific representation helps scientists determine characteristics like the maximum electron energy and the shape of the electron energy distribution. By examining the plot, researchers can also test theories about neutrinos and fundamental particle properties. In essence, the Kurie plot simplifies the complex data from beta decay, making it easier to interpret and understand the underlying physical processes.