# Find the speed of the alpha particle after the reaction

## Homework Statement

For the nuclear reaction, 1 neutron (1/0n) + 10/5B → 7/3L + 4/2He (alpha particle) assume that the initial kinetic energy and momentum of the reacting particles are negligible. Calculate the speed of the alpha particle immediately after it leaves the reaction.

## Homework Equations

E = mrestc^2

Ek = (mtotal (before) - mtotal (after))c^2

## The Attempt at a Solution

I really have no idea because there is no change in mass that I can see, and that is all I had to look for with questions similar to these in this chapter.

Simon Bridge
Homework Helper
##\renewcommand{\e}[1]{\text{#1}} \e n_0^1 + \e B_5^{10} \to \e{Li}_3^7 + \e{He}_2^4##
I really have no idea because there is no change in mass that I can see, and that is all I had to look for with questions similar to these in this chapter.
Did you look up the masses or just go by the number of nucleons?

1 person
##\renewcommand{\e}[1]{\text{#1}} \e n_0^1 + \e B_5^{10} \to \e{Li}_3^7 + \e{He}_2^4##

Did you look up the masses or just go by the number of nucleons?
I only used the number of protons and neutrons. I can't think of any other reason why they would have a different mass.

I only used the number of protons and neutrons. I can't think of any other reason why they would have a different mass.
I'd check the masses out then :)

1 person
Simon Bridge