Two reacting nuclei, maximum distance to overcome the coulomb barrier

Thread starter eddiej90
Start date Feb 10, 2013
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Barrier Coulomb Maximum Nuclei

In summary, the coulomb barrier is an electrostatic potential energy barrier that must be overcome for two positively charged nuclear to undergo reactions. It is calculated using Coulomb's law and the distance for two nuclei to overcome it depends on their specific charges. The coulomb barrier affects the probability and energy required for nuclear reactions to occur. It can be overcome through processes such as nuclear fusion and the use of accelerators.

Feb 10, 2013

eddiej90

Basically I'm trying to find out how to find the maximum distance between two deuterium nuclei in order to overcome the coulomb barrier, causing them to fuse.

Thanks

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Feb 10, 2013

bcrowell

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Roughly, the range of the strong nuclear force is 1 fm. There is no sharply defined distance that can be defined in answer to your question.

1. What is the coulomb barrier in nuclear reactions?

The coulomb barrier is the electrostatic potential energy barrier that must be overcome in order for two positively charged nuclei to come close enough together to undergo nuclear reactions.

2. How is the coulomb barrier calculated?

The coulomb barrier is calculated using the Coulomb's law, which states that the potential energy between two charged particles is directly proportional to theproduct of their charges and inversely proportional to the distance between them.

3. What is the maximum distance for two nuclei to overcome the coulomb barrier?

The maximum distance for two nuclei to overcome the coulomb barrier depends on the specific nuclei involved and their charges. This distance can be calculated using the coulomb barrier equation and is known as the potential energy barrier.

4. How does the coulomb barrier affect nuclear reactions?

The coulomb barrier plays a crucial role in determining the probability of nuclear reactions occurring. The higher the coulomb barrier, the less likely two nuclei are to overcome it and undergo a reaction. This barrier also determines the energy required for a reaction to occur.

5. Can the coulomb barrier be overcome in nuclear reactions?

Yes, the coulomb barrier can be overcome through various processes such as nuclear fusion, where high temperatures and pressures can provide enough energy for nuclei to overcome the barrier and fuse together. Additionally, the use of accelerators can also provide enough energy to overcome the coulomb barrier.