Calculate that the proton and neutron in a deuteron

In summary, the nuclear force is responsible for binding the proton and neutron in a deuteron, and the binding energy is the amount of energy needed to separate them. It is highly unlikely for the proton and neutron to be far enough apart to break the bond, and according to calculations, this only occurs about 64% of the time. Additionally, the energy of a free proton and neutron is greater than that of a deuteron, which explains why the deuteron does not dissociate.
  • #1
physics_fun
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You can calculate that the proton and neutron in a deuteron spend quite some time so far away from each other, that they are outside each others force range. Why doesn't the deuteron break up? Is it because of the binding energy?
 
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  • #2
The binding energy is just the energy the one would have to put into the deuteron to separate the p and n. The nuclear force is responsible for binding the p and n.

I believe the probability that the p,n in a deuteron "spending quite some time so far away from each other, such that they are outside each others force range," is exceedingly small, if not nil. If that were the case, then some deuterons would spontaneously dissociate.
 
  • #3
Maybe I didn't formulate it very clear, but what I mean is this:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/physics/teaching/phy303/303soltn1.html#sols2
(2nd solution)

So in this calculation it is about 64% of the time the case.
But I don't know why the deuteron doesn't dissociate...
 
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  • #4
physics_fun said:
But I don't know why the deuteron doesn't dissociate...

Because the energy of a free p and n is greater than the energy of a deuteron.
 

1. What is a proton and neutron in a deuteron?

A proton and neutron in a deuteron are subatomic particles that make up the nucleus of a deuteron, which is a type of hydrogen atom with one proton and one neutron. Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge.

2. How are the proton and neutron in a deuteron calculated?

The proton and neutron in a deuteron are calculated using the mass-energy equivalence equation, E=mc². This equation relates the mass and energy of a particle, and can be used to determine the mass of the proton and neutron in a deuteron.

3. What is the mass of the proton and neutron in a deuteron?

The mass of the proton and neutron in a deuteron is approximately equal to the mass of a hydrogen atom, which is 1 atomic mass unit (amu) or 1.67 x 10^-27 kilograms.

4. Why is the mass of the proton and neutron in a deuteron important?

The mass of the proton and neutron in a deuteron is important because it contributes to the overall mass and stability of the deuteron. This, in turn, affects the chemical and physical properties of the deuteron, making it a vital component in nuclear reactions and processes.

5. How does the proton and neutron in a deuteron differ from other subatomic particles?

The proton and neutron in a deuteron differ from other subatomic particles in terms of their charge and mass. Protons have a positive charge and a mass of approximately 1 amu, while neutrons have no charge and a slightly larger mass of approximately 1.008 amu. They also differ in their role as the building blocks of the nucleus, compared to other particles such as electrons which make up the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

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