Photon+deuteron->p+n , E(photon)=?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the minimal energy required for a photon to disassemble a deuteron into a proton and a neutron. The context includes the binding energy of the deuteron and the mass-energy relationship involved in this particle interaction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the binding energy of the deuteron and the energy required from the photon for disassembly. Questions arise regarding why the photon energy must exceed the binding energy of 2.225 MeV. Some participants discuss the implications of conservation of momentum in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in clarifying the concepts of binding energy and the energy required for disassembly. Some have offered insights into the necessity of additional energy for kinetic motion post-disassembly, while others are questioning the assumptions regarding energy equivalence.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the distinction between binding energy and the energy required to unbind nucleons, as well as the implications of conservation laws in particle physics. The discussion reflects an exploration of these concepts without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Ene Dene
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[SOLVED] photon+deuteron-->p+n , E(photon)=?

Problem:
What is the minimal energy of photon for disassembling deuteron on proton and neutron (photon+d --> p+n)? By how much is that energy larger than energy of binding of deuteron? Binding energy of deuteron is E=2.225MeV, mass of deuteron is 1875.628MeV.


This means that m(d)-m(p)-m(n)=2.225MeV.
I don't understand why would do you need a photon of greater energy than 2.225MeV if that is the energy that binds proton and neutron together.
 
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Ene Dene said:
Problem:
What is the minimal energy of photon for disassembling deuteron on proton and neutron (photon+d --> p+n)? By how much is that energy larger than energy of binding of deuteron? Binding energy of deuteron is E=2.225MeV, mass of deuteron is 1875.628MeV.


This means that m(d)-m(p)-m(n)=2.225MeV.
I don't understand why would do you need a photon of greater energy than 2.225MeV if that is the energy that binds proton and neutron together.
Binding energy is not energy that binds nucleons, but rather it is the energy given off when a nucleon combines with another nucleon or nucleus, i.e. binding energy is actually the energy require to unbind a nucleon from the nucleus.

In the case of the deuteron, the energy required to unbind the neutron and proton is 2.225 MeV. That would be approximately the energy of a gamma-ray given off when a proton and neutron combine (neutron capture) to form a deuteron.
 
Astronuc said:
Binding energy is not energy that binds nucleons, but rather it is the energy given off when a nucleon combines with another nucleon or nucleus, i.e. binding energy is actually the energy require to unbind a nucleon from the nucleus.

In the case of the deuteron, the energy required to unbind the neutron and proton is 2.225 MeV. That would be approximately the energy of a gamma-ray given off when a proton and neutron combine (neutron capture) to form a deuteron.

But if Iunderstand correctly the OP, th equestion was ho wmuch above the binding energy must the photon have. And the OP was wondering about why some energy above the binding energy was required.

The answer is of course conservation of 4-momentum. Some of the photon energy goes into breaking apart the deuteron but some of it is needed to give some kinetic energy to the neutron and proton.
 
For a photon of energy p (with c=1),
p+M_d=\sqrt{(m_p+m_n)^2+p^2}.
Square and solve for p.
 
Astronuc said:
Binding energy is not energy that binds nucleons, but rather it is the energy given off when a nucleon combines with another nucleon or nucleus, i.e. binding energy is actually the energy require to unbind a nucleon from the nucleus.
Yes, I did think that these energies were the same, that's why I asked a question, why aren't they the same.
kdv said:
But if understand correctly the OP, th equestion was ho wmuch above the binding energy must the photon have. And the OP was wondering about why some energy above the binding energy was required.
Yes, you did understand correctly but I also wanted to know why is that so.
And here is why:
kdv said:
The answer is of course conservation of 4-momentum. Some of the photon energy goes into breaking apart the deuteron but some of it is needed to give some kinetic energy to the neutron and proton.
pam said:
For a photon of energy p (with c=1),
p+M_d=\sqrt{(m_p+m_n)^2+p^2}
Square and solve for p.

Thank you all, now I understand.
 

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