How do you get the energy of products in nuclear reaction?

In summary, the radionuclide X is produced in a cyclotron at a constant rate by bombarding a stable isotope Y with 2.10 MeV deuterons. The reaction that produces X is Y + deuteron -> X + proton, and the energy released in this reaction is 1.145 x 10^-12 J. This can be calculated by comparing the masses of the products before and after the reaction, and using the conservation of total energy. Simply taking the rest-mass energy of the products is not sufficient as it does not account for their kinetic energies.
  • #1
zutto
1
0
The radionuclide X has a half life of 2.58hours and is produced in a cyclotron at a constant rate by bombarding a Y target with 2.10 MeV deuterons. The target contains only the stable isoptope Y and the reaction that produces X is

Y + deuteron -> X + proton

show that energy is released in this reaction,
and hence calculate the energy of the products in the above reaction.

(atomic mass of Y = 54.938047u, X = 55.938906u, deuteron = 2.014102u, proton = 1.007825u)

ANS: energy of products = 1.145 x 10^-12 J

how do you get energy of products? i don't understand.

why can't i get the answer by taking (mass of X + mass of proton)(u)c^2?

thanks in advance! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF:
You have a stationary target of Y with a moving d at the start, and a recoiled X with a moving p after.

You are not asked to work out how the energy of the products is distributed.
So you do 1. by comparing the masses before and after (remember the 2MeV incoming).

You do 2 by conservation of total energy.

why can't i get the answer by taking (mass of X + mass of proton)(u)c^2?
because that would be the rest-mass energy of the products ... you need their kinetic energies too.
 

1. How does a nuclear reaction produce energy?

A nuclear reaction produces energy through the process of nuclear fission or fusion. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. In nuclear fusion, two smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, also releasing a significant amount of energy.

2. What is the source of the energy in a nuclear reaction?

The source of energy in a nuclear reaction is the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². In nuclear reactions, a tiny amount of mass is converted into a large amount of energy, as predicted by this equation.

3. How is the energy of products in a nuclear reaction measured?

The energy of products in a nuclear reaction can be measured through various methods such as calorimetry, which measures the heat released during a reaction, or through the use of radiation detectors that can detect the different types of radiation emitted during a reaction.

4. Can the energy released in a nuclear reaction be controlled?

Yes, the energy released in a nuclear reaction can be controlled through various methods such as controlling the rate of the reaction, using control rods to absorb neutrons, or using moderators to slow down the neutrons involved in the reaction. This allows for the safe use of nuclear energy in power plants.

5. What are the potential risks and benefits of using nuclear reactions for energy?

The potential risks of using nuclear reactions for energy include the release of radioactive material, which can be harmful to living organisms and the environment, as well as the potential for accidents or nuclear waste disposal issues. However, the benefits of nuclear energy include its high energy density, low carbon emissions, and ability to provide a reliable source of energy for large populations.

Similar threads

I What kind of energy is released in a nuclear fusion reaction?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
14
Views
1K
I 7Li(p,e+e−)8Be direct proton-capture reaction X17
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
B How energy is released during nuclear fission?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
A Influence on Neutron spectrum due to energy loss of beam
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Q: Binding energy per nucleon & energy released in reaction
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
9K
Distribution of released energy in nuclear fusion
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Assistance finding the nuclear energy difference during nuclear fusion
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
920
B Exploring Nuclear Fusion: IEC Fusion Reactor Construction and Operation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
19
Views
3K
Is the concept of binding energy in nuclear reactions contradictory?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
2K
How to Calculate Energy Released in Nuclear Fusion
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top