Calculating Activity of proton beam

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the activity produced by bombarding a natural lithium target with a 125 µA beam of 3.5 MeV protons, initiating a 7Li(p,n) reaction. The reaction cross section is given as 300 mb, and the activity is to be calculated for a 15-minute bombardment. The key equation used is λN=φσNT(1-e-λt), where the number of protons is determined to be 7.022×1017. The challenge lies in determining the linear attenuation coefficient and the flux for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reaction equations, specifically 7Li(p,n)
  • Familiarity with the concepts of reaction cross section and activity
  • Knowledge of linear attenuation coefficients and their calculation
  • Proficiency in unit conversions, particularly between atomic density and area density
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of linear attenuation coefficients for lithium
  • Study the concept of reaction flux in nuclear physics
  • Learn about the conversion of area density to atomic density in nuclear reactions
  • Explore detailed examples of using the activation equation in practical scenarios
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, particularly those involved in experimental setups using proton beams, as well as anyone interested in calculating reaction activities in nuclear reactions.

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Homework Statement


A natural lithium target 3.8 mg cm-2
thick is bombarded with a
125 µA beam of 3.5 MeV protons initiating a 7Li(p,n) reaction.
Assuming a reaction cross section of 300 mb, calculate the
activity produced by a 15 minute bombardment.


Homework Equations


λN=\phi\sigmaNT(1-e-λt)
I=I0e-μx

The Attempt at a Solution


125μA=125μC/s(1 proton/1.602*10-19C)(15*60s)=7.022*1017 protons. I'm not really sure where I would go from here. I got μ/\rho=0.0258 cm2/g. Yet, I can't find the actual linear attenuation coefficient. I figured we would use the activation equation, but I'm not sure on the flux, and the other units.
 
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You can convert the given area density to an atomic density - ideally in the units atoms/barn. Together with the given cross-section, ...
 

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