Unpacking the Physics of Nucleus Formation & Energy Release

In summary, the conversation discusses the reasons why nucleons need to remove mass to form a nucleus and why nuclear reactions release a significant amount of energy. The main reason for this is the strong interaction, which keeps the nucleons bound together in the nucleus with a lower energy level than they would have individually. This energy release is necessary for the nucleons to bond and form a stable nucleus. The release of energy is a result of energy conservation, with the excess energy being either released as radiation or converted into kinetic energy of particles.
  • #1
Shakattack12
24
2
So I was wondering why do nucleons need to remove mass to form a nucleus. Is it because it lowers the energy of the nucleus making it more stable or something completely different. I understand that it is the energy input to break the nucleus into its components, however, why do nuclear reaction release so much energy. II also understand that in fission and fusion reactions the binding energy per nucleons increase after the reaction, but is that all? I know I sound slightly confused but just want clarification.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Shakattack12 said:
So I was wondering why do nucleons need to remove mass to form a nucleus.
What does "need to remove mass" mean?
Different nuclei have different binding energies. All nuclei have less energy than the individual protons and neutrons have, otherwise they would not exist (the protons and neutrons would simply fly apart).
Shakattack12 said:
however, why do nuclear reaction release so much energy
The strong interaction is strong.
 
  • #3
What I meant was why the nucleons need to release energy. But I now understand that they actually need to release energy to 'slow down' and bond together.
 
  • #4
Energy is conserved. If the new nucleus has a lower energy, the difference has to go somewhere: radiation or kinetic energy of particles.
 
  • Like
Likes stoomart and vanhees71

1. How does a nucleus form?

Nucleus formation is a complex process that involves the strong nuclear force binding protons and neutrons together. As these particles come together, they release energy, which helps to counteract the repulsive forces between positively charged protons. Once enough particles are bound, a stable nucleus is formed.

2. What is the role of energy in nucleus formation?

Energy is essential in the formation of a nucleus because it helps to overcome the repulsive forces between protons. As particles come together, they release energy, which helps to stabilize the nucleus. This process is known as nuclear binding energy.

3. What determines the stability of a nucleus?

The stability of a nucleus is determined by the ratio of protons to neutrons. Nuclei with a balanced number of protons and neutrons tend to be more stable. Additionally, the strong nuclear force also plays a crucial role in keeping the nucleus intact.

4. How is energy released from a nucleus?

Energy is released from a nucleus through various processes such as nuclear fission and fusion. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. In contrast, nuclear fusion involves combining two smaller nuclei to form a larger one, releasing energy in the process.

5. How is the energy released from a nucleus harnessed for practical uses?

The energy released from a nucleus can be harnessed for practical uses through processes such as nuclear power generation. In this method, the heat produced by nuclear fission is used to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. Additionally, nuclear energy is also used in medical treatments, agriculture, and scientific research.

Similar threads

I Why the binding energy per nucleon has specific pattern?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
713
I Separation energy of nucleons and Coulomb barrier
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
924
B Is Comparing Binding Energy and Mass to Kinetic and Potential Energy Valid?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
640
I Binding energy, fusion and fission
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
B Why does the nucleus become unstable as the number of nucleons increases?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
12
Views
3K
I Questions about the energy released by nuclear fission
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Q: Binding energy per nucleon & energy released in reaction
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
9K
B Why does Nickel-62 have the highest BEPN?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Radioactive decay, Stability and Halflife
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
I Can Neutron-X Fusion Reactions Overcome the Repulsion Problem in Fusion Energy?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top