Coulomb Energy Unit Conversion: MeV

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on converting Coulomb energy calculations into MeV for nuclear interactions, specifically using the formula ΔE = (3e²/5r)(2Z-1), where r is in fermis (~10^-13 cm) and e is the elementary charge in coulombs. Participants clarify that to convert energy from joules to MeV, one must use the conversion factor eV = 1.602 x 10^-19 J. A reference coefficient of 0.807 MeV is noted for simplifying calculations, but participants express a desire for deeper understanding of the conversion process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, particularly Coulomb energy
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, specifically between joules and MeV
  • Knowledge of the elementary charge and its significance in calculations
  • Basic grasp of dimensional analysis in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the Coulomb energy formula in nuclear physics
  • Study the conversion process between joules and MeV in detail
  • Explore the implications of using coefficients in energy calculations
  • Learn about the role of the elementary charge in nuclear interactions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, nuclear engineers, and students studying nuclear interactions who require a clear understanding of energy unit conversions in the context of Coulomb energy calculations.

atomicpedals
Messages
202
Reaction score
7
I'm having some difficulty resolving the units (unit conversions will be my great un-doing) for calculation of the Coulomb energy between nuclei. Given that

\Delta E = \frac{3e^{2}}{5r} (2Z-1)

with the value for r in fermis (~10^-13cm), the elementary charge e in coulombs, and Z is dimensionless. How can I resolve this into MeV? Or can I?

The problem which brought this on is to compare the difference in rest mass with the Coulomb energy. With the rest mass being in MeV it would seem that I would need the Coulomb energy in similar units, but I'm just not seeing how to do it.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I've found a reference to the coefficient with e and r being 0.807MeV. While that's useful for completing the problem-set it leaves me a bit unsatisfied as far as explanations go.
 
hi atomicpedals! :smile:
atomicpedals said:
… with the value for r in fermis (~10^-13cm), the elementary charge e in coulombs, and Z is dimensionless. How can I resolve this into MeV?

eV is not an SI unit,

so you'll have to use eV = 1.602 10-19 J :wink:
 
...*face-palm*

Yep... and that does it. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K