Is this nuclear reaction exothermic or endothermic?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The nuclear reaction involving an alpha particle and beryllium to produce carbon-12 and a neutron is exothermic. By comparing the masses of the reactants and products, one can determine that if the mass of the reactants exceeds that of the products, the excess mass is converted into energy, indicating an exothermic reaction. This conclusion is supported by the principles of mass-energy equivalence as outlined by Einstein's equation, E=mc².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reactions and their classifications
  • Familiarity with mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
  • Knowledge of atomic mass units and how to calculate mass differences
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in nuclear physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of mass defect in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about the binding energy of nuclei and its implications
  • Study examples of exothermic and endothermic nuclear reactions
  • Explore the applications of nuclear reactions in energy production
USEFUL FOR

Students studying nuclear physics, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the energy dynamics of nuclear reactions.

dav1d
Messages
62
Reaction score
0
Is this nuclear reaction exothermic or endothermic??

Homework Statement



Is this nuclear reaction exothermic or endothermic??
alpha particle + beryllium -> carbon12 + neutron


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Im not quiet sure which one it is, I don't know what equations to use. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


I got exothermic, is it correct?
 

Similar threads

Entropy of a chemical reaction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is Reaction A Exothermic in Synthesis of Water?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Thermodynamics: P-V diagram question
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Lab energy available in threshold (endothermic) reactions
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Would this reaction be exothermic or endothermic?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Thermal Neutron Absorption Rate in Water?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Off by order of magnitude when calculating how much calcium is in bone
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Why is This Reaction Endothermic?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Released Energy: Is my understanding correct?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Endothermic and Threshold reactions - Are they Equivalent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K