Q-value
The Q-value is a measure used in various fields, including physics and economics, to quantify the quality or effectiveness of a particular action or decision. In reinforcement learning, for example, the Q-value represents the expected future rewards an agent can obtain by taking a specific action in a given state. Higher Q-values indicate more favorable actions.
In the context of particle physics, the Q-value refers to the amount of energy released or absorbed during a nuclear reaction. It is calculated by comparing the mass of the reactants and products, reflecting the energy changes that occur. Understanding Q-values helps scientists analyze reaction feasibility and energy efficiency.