Binding energy and favorable reactions

In summary, The conversation revolves around the question of whether the reaction 2H + 4He -> 6Li is energetically favorable based on the binding energy per nucleon curve. The moderator suggests checking the values on the diagram or calculating them, and the questioner mentions that the binding energy of 4He is larger than the product's, leading to the question of whether there is something more to consider. The moderator then asks about the binding energy of deuterium and confirms it is smaller. The final question is about the combined binding energy of the reactants, to which the moderator responds that it is energetically favorable. It is noted that an additional photon would be needed to conserve energy and momentum. The conversation ends with
  • #1
letec
6
0
[Moderator note: Thread moved from technical section, thus no template is shown]

Hi everyone!
I'm currently learning nuclear physics and I have a question:
Watching the binding energy per nucleon curve, is the following reaction energetically favorable?
2H + 4He -> 6Li
And why?
500px-Binding_energy_curve_-_common_isotopes.svg.png

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Why don't you take the values from the diagram and check for yourself? Better (more accurate): Look up the binding energies (or the masses) and calculate it.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Why don't you take the values from the diagram and check for yourself? Better (more accurate): Look up the binding energies (or the masses) and calculate it.
The question asks to answer according to the curve :\
 
  • #4
I moved you to the homework section.

Well, then use the diagram and check it.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
I moved you to the homework section.

Well, then use the diagram and check it.
That's exactly my question... The binding energy of the 4He is bigger than the B.E of the product. Is that it? or is there something more?
 
  • #6
What about the binding energy of deuterium?
 
  • #7
mfb said:
What about the binding energy of deuterium?
well it's smaller! and that is my question!
 
  • #8
No, that is the homework question.

What is the combined binding energy of D+4He?
 
  • #9
mfb said:
No, that is the homework question.

What is the combined binding energy of D+4He?
do you mean for 2H + 4He -> 6Li:
2*1 MeV + 4*7MeV = 30MeV < 6*5.3 = 31.8 therefore the reaction is energetically favorable?
 
  • #10
Sure.

To conserve energy and momentum, you would need an additional photon in the final state.
 
  • #11
mfb said:
Sure.

To conserve energy and momentum, you would need an additional photon in the final state.
Thanks for the help! :)
 

1. What is binding energy and why is it important in reactions?

Binding energy is the amount of energy required to break apart a chemical bond. It is important in reactions because it determines how strong the bonds are between atoms and molecules, and therefore affects the stability and likelihood of a reaction occurring.

2. How is binding energy related to favorable reactions?

Favorable reactions are those that release energy and are thermodynamically favorable. This means that they have a lower energy state after the reaction than before. Binding energy plays a role in this by determining the strength of bonds and the stability of the products.

3. Can binding energy be measured in a laboratory setting?

Yes, binding energy can be measured using techniques such as spectroscopy or calorimetry. These methods allow scientists to measure the energy required to break bonds and determine the binding energy of a particular reaction.

4. How does the concept of entropy relate to binding energy and reactions?

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. In favorable reactions, the products have a lower energy state and are more stable, which often corresponds to a decrease in entropy. This is because the molecules are more tightly bound and have less freedom of movement.

5. Can binding energy be used to predict the likelihood of a reaction occurring?

Yes, binding energy is one factor that can be used to predict the likelihood of a reaction occurring. Generally, reactions with a lower energy state and stronger bonds are more likely to occur. However, there are many other factors that can also influence the rate and feasibility of a reaction.

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