Solve (101) Nuclear Energy - Get pJ & MeV Answers

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In summary, the triple-alpha process in older stars converts three alpha particles into 12C and releases energy. The mass of an alpha particle is 6.646477E-27 kg and the mass of 12C is 19.926464E-27 kg. Using the formula E=mc^2, the energy released in this process can be calculated as 1.42 pJ or 8.9 MeV.
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WPCareyDevil
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[SOLVED] (101)Nuclear Energy

Homework Statement


According to the Big Bang model, all of the 12C in the universe was made in stars. One process that occurs in older stars is the triple-alpha process in which three alpha particles are turned into 12C. The mass of an alpha particle (an alpha particle is a 4He nucleus) is 6.646477E-27 kg. The mass of 12C is 19.926464E-27 kg. How much energy is released in the triple-alpha process? Give your answer both in pJ and in MeV.



Homework Equations


Thats.. what I need to know.
1 eV=1.6x10^-19 J
pJ= x10^-12

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not know the formula required to solve this; this topic was glanced over during a class and a half, and I had to miss one of them. Could you please help me out?

Thank you so much!
 
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  • #2
Heard of E=mc^2 ?
Whats the mass of 3x alpha particles, what's the mass of 12c, what's the difference?
 
  • #3
Haha, I feel stupid. Thank you for the quick response!
 
  • #4
Can you tell me what answer you got. Thanks.
 
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