What's the Heat of Formation of Proton, Neutron and Electron?

In summary, the thermodynamics of electron capture involves the absorption of an electron by a proton, resulting in the formation of a neutron, an electron neutrino, and energetic photons. This reaction is typically disfavored due to the high energy barrier, but it can occur with a significant release of energy and increase in entropy. However, this process requires an input of energy to initiate.
  • #1
CutterMcCool
7
0
I'm thinking about the thermodynamics of electron capture:

p + e --- n + v(e) + energy

(That is, proton absorbs electron to give neutron, electron neutrino and energetic photons.)

This is thermodynamically disfavored given the substantial energy barrier to fusion to a neutron (analogous to stellar fusion of hydrogen to helium) so it must involve a tremendous release of energy (increase in entropy) when it occurs.

Ultimately I'm looking to calculate the increase in universal entropy that the entropy change in this system provides.
 
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  • #2
The reaction your describing has energy going the wrong way. A neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and neutrino. In order to go the other way you have to add energy.
 
  • #3
Yes that's correct, energy must be input to initiate this. But (disordered) energy also comes out on the backside after energy is put in.
 

What is the Heat of Formation of a Proton, Neutron, and Electron?

The heat of formation of a particle is the amount of heat released or absorbed when a particle is formed from its constituent parts. In the case of protons, neutrons, and electrons, this value is considered to be zero as these particles are fundamental and cannot be broken down into smaller components.

How do the Heat of Formation values of Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons compare to each other?

As mentioned before, the heat of formation for all three particles is considered to be zero. This means that there is no difference in the amount of heat released or absorbed when these particles are formed. However, the mass and charge of each particle are different, which is what distinguishes them from each other.

What factors affect the Heat of Formation of a particle?

The heat of formation of a particle is primarily determined by the energy required to break the bonds between its constituent parts. In the case of protons, neutrons, and electrons, these particles do not have any bonds to break, so their heat of formation remains at zero. However, for more complex particles, factors such as bond strength, molecular geometry, and electron distribution can affect the heat of formation.

Can the Heat of Formation of Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons be measured experimentally?

No, the heat of formation values for these particles cannot be measured experimentally as they are fundamental particles. However, scientists can indirectly determine the heat of formation of more complex particles by measuring the energy changes during chemical reactions or using theoretical calculations.

Why is the Heat of Formation of Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons important to understand?

Understanding the heat of formation of particles is crucial in predicting and explaining the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. It also helps scientists in studying and manipulating chemical reactions and understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter.

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