The required energy to split up an Oxygen atom

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy required to split an oxygen atom (specifically 168O) into four alpha particles, focusing on the mass defect and its conversion to energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the mass defect by summing the masses of protons and neutrons, and then comparing it to the actual mass of the oxygen atom. There are questions about the next steps after finding the mass defect, and how to incorporate the energy of the alpha particles into the overall calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the next steps, suggesting the multiplication of the mass defect by a conversion factor to find the energy equivalent. There is ongoing exploration of how to account for the energy of the alpha particles, indicating that multiple interpretations and approaches are being considered.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the calculations and the need to clarify the energy contributions from the alpha particles, which may indicate a lack of complete information or understanding of the problem setup.

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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