Calculating relativistic mass of neutrons, wrote out my plan please critique

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the relativistic mass of neutrons resulting from the decay of plutonium-239 into iron-110, niobium-125, and four neutrons. The user correctly identifies the need to use the equation Q = m(left) - m(right)c² to find the total energy (Q) and is guided to divide Q by 4 to allocate energy to each neutron. The final formula for calculating the relativistic mass of the neutrons is established as m = [(Q/4) + m₀c²] / c², where m₀ is the rest mass of a single neutron, approximately 1.008665 u. The user is advised to use the rest mass of one neutron in the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear decay processes and equations
  • Familiarity with relativistic energy concepts
  • Knowledge of the rest mass of neutrons (1.008665 u)
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of relativistic mass and its implications in particle physics
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in nuclear reactions
  • Explore the derivation of the equation E = mc² and its applications
  • Investigate the properties and calculations involving kinetic energy in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying nuclear physics, particle physics, and anyone interested in understanding relativistic effects on mass and energy in nuclear reactions.

ronpaulkid
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Homework Statement



I am given an equation, say (239/94)Pu-->(110/53)Fe+(125/41)Nb+4neutrons

I am asked to calculate the relativistic energy so I do that. Q=m(left)-m(right)c^2

I know that m(left)=m(Pu)

I know that m(right)=m(110Fe)+m(125Nb)+4m(neutron)
(i put the answer into MeV for convenience)

so I have Q now. I am now asked to find the mass of the neutrons.
I can't use m=mo/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) because I am not given the velocity. I have to use E=KE+moc^2

KE=Q/4 (4 neutrons, each gets a quarter of the energy)
mo(rest mass)=4m(neutron) maybe 4(1.008665u)? I am unsure if I use the rest mass of just 1 neutron or 4 neutrons.

so I have Q solved from above. I now solve for m=[(Q/4)+mo(c^2)]/(c^2)

Is this the correct way to find the relativistic mass of the neutrons? My professor said divide Q by 4 because each gets a quarter of the energy. I don't know what to do then with the rest mass. And I don't know if I should multiply the rest mass by 4 to find the total rest mass of the 4 neutrons.

Relevant equations and attempt are above^^
Thanks for your help!
 
Last edited:
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Q is not the kinetic energy; it's the total energy. The relationship between total energy and relativistic mass is just E=mc^2--which is partially why relativistic mass is sometimes a useful concept--so you just have to divide Q/4 by c^2 to get the answer.
 

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