Calculate that the proton and neutron in a deuteron

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the stability of the deuteron, which consists of a proton and a neutron. It is established that the binding energy of the deuteron is the key factor preventing its dissociation, as the energy of a free proton and neutron exceeds that of the bound state. The nuclear force plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the deuteron, despite the proton and neutron occasionally being outside each other's force range. Calculations indicate that the proton and neutron are outside their force range approximately 64% of the time, yet the deuteron remains stable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Nuclear physics fundamentals
  • Understanding of binding energy concepts
  • Knowledge of nuclear forces
  • Familiarity with deuteron structure and behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of binding energy in nuclear physics
  • Study the properties and calculations related to nuclear forces
  • Explore the stability conditions of light nuclei, including deuterons
  • Investigate the implications of quantum mechanics on particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for nuclear physicists, students studying nuclear interactions, and anyone interested in the stability of atomic nuclei, particularly in understanding the deuteron.

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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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.
 
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...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 

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