The required energy to split up an Oxygen atom

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the energy required to split an oxygen atom (16O) into four alpha particles. The initial calculations involve determining the mass defect by comparing the total mass of protons and neutrons to the actual mass of the oxygen atom, leading to a mass defect of approximately 0.137 u. Participants suggest multiplying the mass defect by 931.5 to convert it into energy, which should yield an answer of around 14 MeV. There is also confusion regarding how to account for the energy of the four alpha particles in the overall calculation. Clarifications on these steps are sought to ensure accurate results.
Gliese123
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Homework Statement


"Calculate how much energy that is required for a oxygen atom 168O to split it up into 4 α-particles"


The Attempt at a Solution


1: (8 * 1,00727646688)u + (8* 1,00866491578)u = 16,12753105 u
The first one is the Oxygen's 8 protons and the second one is its 8 neutrons.

2: 16O = 15,994915 u (Taken from a schedule)
We also have to discount the 8 electrons: 15,994915 u - (8 * 0,00054858) u = 15,99052636 u

3: 16,12753105 u - 15,99052636 u = 0,1370146888 u
That'd be the mass defect.

How do I then proceed? What should I do next? I'm a bit confused.
The answer is 14 MeV.
Thank you :redface:
 
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If I recall correctly, once you have obtained the mass defect, you should be multiplying by 931.5 to find the mass equivalent to the energy.

If I'm right, you've made a mistake somewhere. I'm on my iPod at the moment, so there isn't a great deal I can tell you, but when I get to a computer I'll look at it in more detail.
 
Gliese123 said:

Homework Statement


"Calculate how much energy that is required for a oxygen atom 168O to split it up into 4 α-particles"


The Attempt at a Solution


1: (8 * 1,00727646688)u + (8* 1,00866491578)u = 16,12753105 u
The first one is the Oxygen's 8 protons and the second one is its 8 neutrons.

2: 16O = 15,994915 u (Taken from a schedule)
We also have to discount the 8 electrons: 15,994915 u - (8 * 0,00054858) u = 15,99052636 u

3: 16,12753105 u - 15,99052636 u = 0,1370146888 u
That'd be the mass defect.

How do I then proceed? What should I do next? I'm a bit confused.
The answer is 14 MeV.
Thank you :redface:
What about the energy of the four alphas?
 
sabalo said:
If I recall correctly, once you have obtained the mass defect, you should be multiplying by 931.5 to find the mass equivalent to the energy.

If I'm right, you've made a mistake somewhere. I'm on my iPod at the moment, so there isn't a great deal I can tell you, but when I get to a computer I'll look at it in more detail.

Thanks :P
 
tms said:
What about the energy of the four alphas?

Yeah. It's that. I don't really know how to add their value to it :/
 
Well, you can calculate it. And then you can compare it to oxygen.
 
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