Neutron-Atom Collision: Energy Transfer

AI Thread Summary
In an elastic collision between a neutron and an atomic nucleus, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Given that the atomic nucleus has a mass approximately 13.2 times that of the neutron, calculations reveal that the fraction of the neutron's kinetic energy transferred to the nucleus can be determined using conservation laws. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of elastic collisions to analyze energy transfer effectively. Participants are encouraged to apply their knowledge of physics to solve the problem presented. The conversation aims to deepen comprehension of neutron interactions in nuclear reactors.
bgil1989
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1. A neutron in a reactor makes an elastic head-
on collision with the nucleus of an atom ini-
tially at rest.
Assume: The mass of the atomic nucleus is
about 13.2 the mass of the neutron.
What fraction of the neutron’s kinetic en-
ergy is transferred to the atomic nucleus?
 
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bgil1989 said:
1. A neutron in a reactor makes an elastic head-
on collision with the nucleus of an atom ini-
tially at rest.
Assume: The mass of the atomic nucleus is
about 13.2 the mass of the neutron.
What fraction of the neutron’s kinetic en-
ergy is transferred to the atomic nucleus?

Welcome to PF.

What do you know about elastic collisions?

What gets conserved?
 

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