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Q -values and separation energies

The above processes can be characterized by an energy difference called the Q value, defined as Q=\sum_i M(N_i, Z_i)c^2-\sum_f M(N_f, Z_f)c^2=\sum_i BE(N_f, Z_f)-\sum_i BE(N_i, Z_i) Spontaneous decay involves a single initial nuclear state and is allowed if Q > 0 . In the decay, energy is released in the form of the kinetic energy of the final products. Reactions involving two initial nuclei are called endothermic (a net loss of energy) if Q < 0 . The reactions are exothermic (a net release of energy) if Q > 0 .