Binding energy and favorable reactions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of binding energy in nuclear physics, specifically evaluating the energetics of the reaction 2H + 4He -> 6Li. Participants are exploring whether this reaction is energetically favorable based on the binding energy per nucleon curve.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest checking the binding energies from the diagram or looking up values to calculate the energies involved. There are questions about the binding energy of deuterium and its relation to the reaction's energetics. Some participants express confusion about the comparison of binding energies and whether additional factors need to be considered.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on using the binding energy diagram and calculations. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the binding energies involved in the reaction, and some participants are actively questioning the assumptions made in their evaluations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that participants are navigating homework constraints, with some posts explicitly noting that the inquiry pertains to a homework question. This context may limit the depth of exploration in the discussion.

letec
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[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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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.
 
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 :\
 
I moved you to the homework section.

Well, then use the diagram and check it.
 
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?
 
What about the binding energy of deuterium?
 
mfb said:
What about the binding energy of deuterium?
well it's smaller! and that is my question!
 
No, that is the homework question.

What is the combined binding energy of D+4He?
 
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! :)
 

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