Can Fusion Overcome Gravitational Potential Energy in White Dwarf Explosions?

In summary, the explosive fusion of carbon into nickel results in an energy release of 280 MeV per fusion. Assuming the entire white dwarf is composed of carbon that fuses to nickel, this energy release is greater than the gravitational potential energy of the star, causing it to explode.
  • #1
leonne
191
0

Homework Statement


The explosive fusion occurs in several steps, but the ultimate result is that carbon
is fused into nickel Assuming that the entire white dwarf
is carbon that fuses to nickel, show that the energy released in the explosion
overcomes the gravitational potential energy, thus blowing apart the star.

Homework Equations


U~-GM2/R

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok so iI found how much energy you get when u fuse carbon to nickel 280Mev. Not sure what to do from here. I found the efficiency to be .0018 and was thinking of using
E(nuclear)=eMc2 Would this be the energy released?
Than I just set the energy released = to the grav potential energy right?
Thanks for the help
 
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  • #2
The problem statement says that the entire white dwarf is carbon fusing to nickel. How much energy would that release, given that each fusion process releases 280 MeV?

(They're clearly just going for a reasonable/approximation approach, so you're overthinking it)
 
  • #3
lol always get a reply back after the homework is due. Well I figured it out, it was exacly what i said , but in the end just have to show E is greater then U
 

What is fusion?

Fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light.

What is total energy from fusion?

Total energy from fusion is the total amount of energy released during the fusion process. This includes both the energy released from the fusion reaction itself, as well as any additional energy released by secondary reactions.

How is total energy from fusion calculated?

Total energy from fusion is calculated by using the famous equation E=mc², where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. By determining the difference in mass before and after the fusion reaction, we can calculate the amount of energy released.

What are the potential applications of total energy from fusion?

Total energy from fusion has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of clean energy. It could potentially be used to power cities, vehicles, and even space exploration missions.

What are the challenges of achieving total energy from fusion?

One of the main challenges of achieving total energy from fusion is the extremely high temperature and pressure required to initiate and sustain the fusion reaction. Additionally, finding ways to safely and efficiently harness the energy released by fusion is another major challenge.

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