Entery level Mass-energy equivalence questions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving mass-energy equivalence related to a proton colliding with a nucleus. Participants are seeking help with calculating the mass equivalence of the energy released during the collision and determining the rest mass of the nucleus. The key equations mentioned include E=mc² and the principle of mass/energy conservation. The first question involves finding the difference in kinetic energy before and after the collision to express it as mass equivalence, while the second question requires accounting for the rest masses and kinetic energies involved. Clarifications emphasize that the mass of the resulting alpha particles is less than the initial masses due to energy release.
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Homework Statement


The diagram shows a proton moving with Ek of (0.178)(10-12)J towards a stationary nucleus X. The proton hits X and is absorbed.

The resulting nucleus splits into two alpha particles, which move off in the directions shown with equal Ek of (1.481)(10-12)J

1. Calculate the mass equivalence of the net energy release during the collision.
2. Calculate the rest mass of the nucleus X. The mass of a proton is (1.673)(10-27) kg and the mass of an alpha particle is (6.645)(10-27)kg


Homework Equations


E=mc2

The Attempt at a Solution


First question I have no idea how to do that.

second question, I simply added the proton mass + alpha particle mass (which is a wrong answer since energy is used for binding energy)

I sort of get the concepts but can't do them mathematically...
Please help me step by step.
Answers:
1. 3.09X10-29
2. 11.6X10-27
 
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The guiding principle is mass/energy conservation.

initial (rest mass energy + kinetic energy)= final (rest mass energy + kinetic energy)

Question 1 is just concerned with the increase of kinetic energy expressed as a mass equivalence.
Question 2 just use the above equation. Be careful to include all rest masses and kinetic energies and express them all in the same unit.
 
Sorry, I really do not know how to do these questions...
 
For question 1 find the difference between the initial kinetic energy and the final kinetic energy. Then use E=mc^2 to convert energy to a mass equivalent.
 
Thank you I've finally got and understood the first question.
I still don't know how to solve the second question... :/
 
The increase in kinetic energy must have come from a reduction in rest mass. In other words the mass of the two alphas is less than the mass of X and the proton. You have values for the rest mass of the alphas and the proton and the mass equivalent of the kinetic energy gained.
 
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