Internal energy loss and momentum conservation question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the breakup of a uranium-238 atom into a thorium-234 atom and an alpha particle, specifically focusing on the internal energy released during this process. The thorium atom recoils with a velocity of -2.6 × 105 m/s, indicating a significant energy transformation. The problem is framed as an explosive separation scenario, emphasizing the conservation of momentum and the need to calculate the energy equivalent of the involved particles. Participants highlight the importance of showing attempts at solutions in academic forums.

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  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically uranium-238 decay.
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum principles.
  • Knowledge of energy equivalence in nuclear reactions.
  • Basic proficiency in solving physics problems involving velocities and mass.
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  • Research the energy equivalent of uranium-238, thorium-234, and alpha particles.
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MoZeeba
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A uranium-238 atom can break up into a thorium-234 atom and a particle called an alpha particle, α-4. The numbers indicate the inertias of the atoms and the alpha particle in atomic mass units (1 amu = 1.66 × 10−27 kg). When an uranium atom initially at rest breaks up, the thorium atom is observed to recoil with an x component of velocity of -2.6 × 105 m/s. How much of the Uranium atom's internal energy is released in the breakup?

I know that this is an explosive separation problem and that the initial velocities are zero but I'm confused on how to approach this problem.
 
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Hello MoZeeba, :welcome:
MoZeeba said:
but I'm confused
Clearly. This is obviously homework and should be posted in a homework forum. That has a template:

Homework Statement



Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


and the guidelines forbid us to help if the poster shows no attempt at solution. So, please indulge us...

For starters: energy equivalent of U ? Th ? ##\alpha## ?
 

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