Find Z and A for nuclear reaction

[Ed Boon]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

In our previous homework, this is the only problem I got wrong, I feel the book does a very poor job at explaining over this subject. I went to physics help room but because its summer the guy was only there for lower level physics classes and said could not help me. I have a quiz tomorrow and want to clear up my misunderstanding.
My guess would be that Z = 5 and A = 10 and if that is even right how does one tell if the energy is absorbed or liberated?
Thank you

 

[jbsteele]

for your helpThe equation you need to use to solve this problem is the mass energy equivalence equation E=mc^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light. From this equation, we can find the energy absorbed or liberated.Assuming the values you mentioned (Z=5 and A=10), we can calculate the atomic mass of the nucleus in question as 5*1.0073 + 10*1.0087 = 12.097 u, where 1.0073 and 1.0087 are the masses of a proton and neutron, respectively. Now, using the mass energy equivalence equation, we can calculate the energy absorbed or liberated when this nucleus decays: E=12.097u*(3*10^8)^2 = 9.08x10^17 Joules. This is the amount of energy that is either absorbed or liberated when the nucleus decays.

 

[baba89]

for your question. In order to find Z and A for a nuclear reaction, we need to first understand what these variables represent. Z is the atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. A is the mass number, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

In order to find Z and A for a nuclear reaction, you need to look at the reactants and products of the reaction. The atomic number and mass number of the reactants must be equal to the atomic number and mass number of the products. This is known as the law of conservation of mass and is a fundamental principle in nuclear reactions.

In order to determine if the energy is absorbed or liberated in a nuclear reaction, you need to look at the mass of the reactants and products. If the mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants, then energy has been released (liberated) in the form of radiation or heat. If the mass of the products is greater than the mass of the reactants, then energy has been absorbed.

It is important to note that the energy released or absorbed in a nuclear reaction is directly related to the mass difference between the reactants and products, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc².

I hope this helps to clear up your misunderstanding and good luck on your quiz tomorrow!