Conservation of energy- setting it up

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of energy in a physics context, specifically regarding the energy transformations involving helium atoms and beryllium. The user expresses confusion over the equation presented in their homework, questioning the absence of potential energy (PE) in the equation. The teacher clarified that the gravitational potential energy is negligible in this scenario, leading to the conclusion that the kinetic energy (KE) of the helium atoms accounts for the energy released, quantified as 92.0 keV.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) concepts
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles in physics
  • Basic knowledge of atomic interactions and energy release
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate equations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about the significance of potential energy in various contexts
  • Explore the concept of energy release in atomic processes, specifically in helium formation
  • Review problem-solving techniques in introductory physics courses
USEFUL FOR

Students in introductory physics courses, educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations in atomic interactions.

Fellowroot
Messages
92
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



attachment.php?attachmentid=36409&stc=1&d=1307931977.jpg

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I do not understand how in the solution they come up with the first equation that I boxed in with green.

I know that the total energy before is equal to the total energy after but I don't understand the logic of how they formed that first equation. It looks like KE+KE=E to me. What happened to the PE potential energy? And how can the KE of the 2 He atoms be equal to the energy released with the atoms?

I would only think that it would be (PE)Beryllium= 2(KE+PE)Helium+92.0keV

Also, I am two days into the class and my physics teacher has NOT solved a single problem. Has this happened to anyone else?

EDIT: OK, I think I got it? 92.0keV of energy is released which goes into the two He particles and somehow they are traveling at Vmax so there is no PE? That's my guess.
 

Attachments

  • physics forms.jpg
    physics forms.jpg
    37.9 KB · Views: 545
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
OK, I asked my teacher why the PE was not in the equation.

He said something about how the gravitational PE is so small that you can neglect it.

This is now the third day of class and he has NOT solved a single problem or done an example on the board.
 

Similar threads

Energy conservation equation to find equation for final velocity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Proving that the total mechanical energy is conserved with time
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
D’Alembert Vs Conservation of Energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Pan suspended by a spring (Energy + SHM)
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Calculating Speed on an Incline Using the Law of Conservation of Energy
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Accounting for Air Resistance in Conservation of Energy Lab with Bouncing Ball
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Is Force a Conservative Vector Field?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Working out the kinetic energy of a body due to a gravitational field
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K