How Does Fission Energy Relate to the Semi-Empirical Mass Formula?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the semi-empirical mass formula in the context of nuclear fission, specifically focusing on the energy release when an even-even nucleus of large atomic number (Z) undergoes fission into two identical odd-even fragments. Participants are tasked with demonstrating a condition for energy liberation based on specific constants in the formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to apply the semi-empirical mass formula to any even-even nucleus of large Z and A, questioning the Z and A values of the resulting fragments. There is also a focus on the implications of odd-even characteristics on binding energy and the terms of the formula.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify the conditions under which energy is released. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider the binding energy of the initial and resultant nuclei, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to demonstrate the condition for energy release without specific examples, and the implications of the semi-empirical mass formula's terms in relation to large Z values.

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Homework Statement



Use the semi-empirical mass formula to show that when an even-even nucleus of large Z undergoes fission into two identical odd-even fragments energy will be liberated provided that the approximate condition:

c1(A) + c2(Z²) + C3(A)^-5/12 > 0

is satisfied and give values for the constants c1, c2 and c3.



Homework Equations



Semi-empirical mass formula


The Attempt at a Solution



Do I use an example of any atom which is even-even and two other atoms which are odd-even. Then put it into the semi-empirical mass formula and then what exactly do I need?
 
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No, you need to demonstrate that it's true for any even-even nucleus of large Z and A decaying into two identical odd-even fragments (so what would the Z and A values of each fragment be?).
 
Avodyne said:
No, you need to demonstrate that it's true for any even-even nucleus of large Z and A decaying into two identical odd-even fragments (so what would the Z and A values of each fragment be?).

The N = odd and Z= even for both identical fragments. But how would this help me?
 
I'm having problems with the same question.

My thinking so far:

Each of the new nuclei will have 1/2A and 1/2Z

For energy to be released the binding energy of the intial nuclei must be greater than two times the binding energy for one of the resultant nuclei.

The odd-even means that the last term of the semi-empirical mass formula is 0, for even-even if delta(Z,A) is 1

I've tried setting this up as an inequality and rearranging but I can't see how an A^(-5/12) would be arrived at. Are there terms that can be neglected for a large Z or was that just in the question to show the SEMF would be accurate in this case?
 

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