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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy released in the triple-alpha process, a nuclear reaction that occurs in stars, specifically involving the conversion of alpha particles into carbon-12. The original poster seeks to find the energy output in both picojoules (pJ) and mega-electronvolts (MeV).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about the formula needed to calculate the energy released and requests assistance. One participant suggests using the mass-energy equivalence principle, E=mc², and prompts the poster to consider the mass of the alpha particles and carbon-12 to find the energy difference.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the necessary calculations and concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the mass-energy relationship, but no consensus or final answers have been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of familiarity with the topic due to missing class sessions, which may affect their understanding of the required calculations.

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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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Heard of E=mc^2 ?
Whats the mass of 3x alpha particles, what's the mass of 12c, what's the difference?
 
Haha, I feel stupid. Thank you for the quick response!
 
Can you tell me what answer you got. Thanks.
 

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