Finding Speed of Neutron after Decay

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a decay process involving Helium 5, which at rest decays into Helium 4 and a neutron. Participants are examining the relationship between mass, energy, and momentum in this context, particularly focusing on calculating the speed of the neutron post-decay.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of conservation of momentum and energy principles to determine the speeds of the neutron and Helium 4. There is uncertainty about the correct application of equations, particularly regarding mass and energy definitions. Some participants question the clarity of the original poster's notation and the relevance of specific terms like "E2."

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing suggestions for clarifying the problem and exploring different approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for clear notation and the importance of including units in calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, and participants are working through the implications of momentum conservation.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the original poster may be struggling with the amount of information presented in the problem statement, which could be affecting their understanding. Additionally, the discussion highlights the need for clarity in the problem's requirements and the equations being used.

  • #31
KE of He5 would be 0 since the problems states it at rest before the reaction.
KE of He4 is given to us.
KE of Neutron could be found using KE=mv2/2. The mass is given to us in the question, and we already found velocity.
Ok, so what do i do when I found the KE? Am i going to be using E=mc2?
 
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  • #32
bob dobilina said:
KE of He5 would be 0 since the problems states it at rest before the reaction.
KE of He4 is given to us.
KE of Neutron could be found using KE=mv2/2. The mass is given to us in the question, and we already found velocity.
Ok, so what do i do when I found the KE? Am i going to be using E=mc2?
Yes.
 
  • #33
haruspex said:
Yes.
Could I use the total kinetic energy to find the mass defect by manipulating e=mc2? If so, once I find the mass defect, can I add that mass to the mass of He4 and the neutron to get the mass of He5?
 
  • #34
bob dobilina said:
Could I use the total kinetic energy to find the mass defect by manipulating e=mc2? If so, once I find the mass defect, can I add that mass to the mass of He4 and the neutron to get the mass of He5?
Yes.
 

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