Insights Blog
-- Browse All Articles --
Physics Articles
Physics Tutorials
Physics Guides
Physics FAQ
Math Articles
Math Tutorials
Math Guides
Math FAQ
Education Articles
Education Guides
Bio/Chem Articles
Technology Guides
Computer Science Tutorials
Forums
Intro Physics Homework Help
Advanced Physics Homework Help
Precalculus Homework Help
Calculus Homework Help
Bio/Chem Homework Help
Engineering Homework Help
Trending
Featured Threads
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Intro Physics Homework Help
Advanced Physics Homework Help
Precalculus Homework Help
Calculus Homework Help
Bio/Chem Homework Help
Engineering Homework Help
Menu
Log in
Register
Navigation
More options
Contact us
Close Menu
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Forums
Homework Help
Introductory Physics Homework Help
Calculating the disintegration energy of a process
Reply to thread
Message
[QUOTE="mm2424, post: 3890354, member: 371149"] [h2]Homework Statement [/h2] A 238-U nucleus emits a 4.196MeV alpha particle. Calculate the disintegration energy Q for this process, taking the recoil energy of the residual 234-Th nucleus into account. [h2]Homework Equations[/h2] [h2]The Attempt at a Solution[/h2] I tried to answer this question by finding the difference in mass energy between the products and reactants. The mass of the products is 234.04363u + 4.00260u. The mass of the reactant is 238.05079u. The difference in mass energy between the reactants and products is 4.247613 MeV. I found this by taking (238.05079u)(931.494013 MeV/u) - (234.04363u + 4.00260u)(931.494013 MeV/u) = 4.247613 MeV. Doesn't this have to be the disintegration energy by definition? The answer key I have requires that you equate the momentum of the reactants and products, then write them in terms of kinetic energy. It also says that Q = KE(thorium) + KE(alpha particle) at the end of the reaction. The answer it gets is slightly different than mine (it gets 4.268 MeV). Is there some reason why you can't just find the difference in mass energy the way I did? Given the fact that the answer key introduces momentum, I'm guessing I have to use it to get the answer. But I'm still scratching my head re. why my way is slightly off. Thanks! [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Post reply
Forums
Homework Help
Introductory Physics Homework Help
Calculating the disintegration energy of a process
Back
Top