Find product kinetic energies in (α,γ) reaction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energies of the carbon nucleus and gamma photon produced in the (α,γ) reaction involving 5.5 MeV alpha particles colliding with Be-9, resulting in carbon and gamma emission. The Q value for the reaction is established at 10.65 MeV. The user initially misapplied the conservation of momentum and the Q equation but later corrected the equation to Q = T_c + T_gam - T_alpha, leading to a clearer understanding of the energy distribution in the reaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reactions and conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy calculations using the formula T = p^2 / 2*m
  • Knowledge of Q value in nuclear physics
  • Basic understanding of nuclear binding energy, particularly for C-12
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of momentum in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about calculating kinetic energy in particle physics
  • Research the significance of Q values in nuclear decay and reactions
  • Examine the binding energy of nuclei, focusing on C-12 and its implications
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in nuclear physics, particularly those studying nuclear reactions and energy calculations, as well as researchers interested in the properties of alpha particle interactions with light nuclei.

ElectricEel1
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Homework Statement



5.5 MeV alphas hit Be-9 and produce carbon with a gamma. the Q value is 10.65

I have to find the kinetic energy of the carbon nucleus and the gamma and I am to ignore the gamma ray momentum.

Homework Equations


T = p^2 / 2*m
Q = T_be + T_alpha - T_c - T_gam[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



Momentum is conserved and I'm told to ignore the gammas momentum so I calculated the alpha momentum to be 202.56 MeV/c then used that as the carbon momentum and rearranged to find the kinetic energy as 1.7 MeV.

Then using the Q equation i rearranged to find T_gam but end up with -6.85 which doesn't work so I'm a little stuck now.

Thanks

edit: realized i had the equation the wrong way round and it should be Q = T_c + T_gam - T_alph

think it makes sense now
 
Last edited:
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ElectricEel1 said:
edit: realized i had the equation the wrong way round and it should be Q = T_c + T_gam - T_alph

think it makes sense now
That's how I interpreted the Q-value as well.
You can also check the masses of the nuclei to be sure, but the reaction certainly releases energy. C-12 is a very tightly bound nucleus.
 

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