High School Reduced mass to atomic mass units conversion help please

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conversion of reduced mass into atomic mass units (u) using the formula $$m_1m_2/(m_1+m_2)$$. The user initially struggles with the conversion, specifically how the book derives the value of $$m_4 = 4u$$ from the reduced mass calculation. The confusion arises from the representation of helium-4 ($$_2^4 He$$) and the proper interpretation of subscripts in the context of atomic mass units.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of reduced mass calculations in physics
  • Familiarity with atomic mass units (u)
  • Basic knowledge of LaTeX formatting for equations
  • Concept of isotopes, specifically helium-4
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of reduced mass in multi-body systems
  • Learn about atomic mass unit conversions in nuclear physics
  • Explore the properties of helium isotopes and their significance
  • Practice writing equations in LaTeX for clarity in scientific communication
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone involved in nuclear chemistry or physics who seeks to understand mass conversions and reduced mass calculations.

TheCelt
Messages
24
Reaction score
5
Hello

I am trying to understand how to write the reduced mass into atomic mass units but i am confused how it was done.

The equation is

$$m_1m_2/(m_1+m_2)$$

For two similar masses in my particular case i have:

$$m^2 / 2m = 1/2 * m$$

Then to convert to atomic mass units, the book says it gives:
1604877616274.png


But how did they get that value? I had $$1/2 * u$$My conversion must be failing me, i am not sure how they got that value..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So the book has ##m_4 = 4u## while you have ##m_4 = u## ?

Hard to tell which is which on PF since ##m_4## hasn't been introduced here. Is it described somehow in the book ?
 
@BvU it was representing a $$_2^4 He$$

Don't know how to write it inline with my sentence, anyway it does seem I forgot that it would be 4u.
 
  • Like
Likes BvU
All clear ! (the subscript 4 was a giveaway :wink: )

Inline ##\LaTeX## by enclosing it in double #: ##\LaTeX##
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
542
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K