Relativistic nuclear collision

MeV / c2 = 219883.99 MeV / c2In summary, the conversation discusses a fission process where a slow neutron causes a uranium nucleus to split into two smaller nuclei and two excess neutrons. The task is to calculate the energy converted from mass to kinetic energy in this process. The solution involves finding the difference between the rest mass of the system before and after the process, which can be done because the neutron's kinetic energy is much less than its mass-energy.
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Homework Statement


In a fission process, a slow neutron causes a uranium nucleus (m=218943.42 MeV/c^2) to split into a barium nucleus (m=131261.73) and a krypton nucleus (m=85619.32), plus two excess neutrons (actually 3 including the original neutron, but that is present before the process as well), each of mass 939.57. Calculate the energy converted from mass to kinetic energy in this process.


Homework Equations


K= E-mc^2
E^2=p^2c^2+m^2c^4


The Attempt at a Solution



K = E - mc^2
Ebef=Eaft

Not given any velocities, the other formulas I have for energy and momentum are not really helpful. But I know that I will have to find the total energy before and after somehow.
 
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You do not need those equations, you only need to figure out how much rest mass the system has before, and after the process. The difference between those will give you the released kinetic energy. The reason why you can do that here is because the neutron is "slow", its kinetic energy (around and less ~1eV) is much less than its "mass-energy" (939.57 MeV)

I'll give you a hint: the rest mass of the system before the process is
(218943.42 + 939.57) MeV / c2
 
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1. What is a relativistic nuclear collision?

A relativistic nuclear collision refers to the collision of two heavy nuclei, such as those of gold or lead, at extremely high speeds close to the speed of light. This type of collision can only be achieved in particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and allows scientists to study the fundamental properties of matter and understand the early universe.

2. How do scientists study relativistic nuclear collisions?

Scientists use particle accelerators, such as the LHC, to accelerate heavy nuclei to nearly the speed of light and then collide them. The resulting particles and energy released from the collision are then studied using detectors and sophisticated data analysis techniques. These collisions allow scientists to recreate the conditions of the early universe and study the particles and forces that govern the fundamental building blocks of matter.

3. What is the significance of studying relativistic nuclear collisions?

Studying relativistic nuclear collisions allows scientists to understand the fundamental properties of matter and the forces that govern them. This research can help us understand the origins of the universe, the structure of matter, and potentially discover new particles and phenomena. It also has practical applications, such as advancements in medical imaging and nuclear energy.

4. What are some current research topics in the field of relativistic nuclear collisions?

Some current research topics include studying the properties of quark-gluon plasma (a state of matter that is believed to have existed in the early universe), the search for new particles, and the study of the strong nuclear force. Scientists are also exploring the use of relativistic nuclear collisions to create and study exotic forms of matter, such as hypernuclei and quark matter.

5. Are there any potential dangers associated with studying relativistic nuclear collisions?

There are no known dangers associated with studying relativistic nuclear collisions. These experiments are conducted under strict safety protocols and regulations, and the risk of any harmful consequences is extremely low. However, as with any scientific research, safety measures are continuously evaluated and improved to ensure the well-being of scientists and the environment.

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