Kinetic energy of alpha particle in cockroft walton experiment.

[sudipmaity]

Homework Statement

When a ⁷ ₃ Li nucleus is bombarded with protons α particles emerge.Calculate the kinetic energy of the alpha particle assuming the kinetic energy of the bombarding proton to be negligible. Given M (⁷ ₃ Li)=7.016004a.m.u. M (p)=1.007826a.m.u and M (α)=4.002603a.m.u.

Homework Equations

⁷ ₃ Li + ¹ ₁H --> 2⁴ ₂He
Q = (M _Li + M_H -2M_α)931.5MeV...1

K_α=n= [M_αQ + K_p(M_α - m_p)]/2M_α...2
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The Attempt at a Solution

Using equation 1 Q=(7.016004+1.007826- 2×4.002603) 931.5 =17.35MeV
It is given that K_p~0 so K_α= Q/2 =8.675MeV
What do you people think about my solution methods used? The numerical values are matching approximately with the given answers in the textbook by the way.

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[mfb]

Sure, looks good.

What does equation 2 mean? It is not necessary anyway.