What is the Coulomb potential energy of splitting uranium nuclei?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the Coulomb potential energy of two equal fragments resulting from the splitting of a uranium nucleus. The problem involves understanding the charges of the fragments and their separation distance based on their radii.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Coulomb's law and the relevance of binding energy in the context of the problem. There is uncertainty regarding the correct charge of the fragments and how to calculate the potential energy accurately.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the calculations and assumptions, suggesting that both fragments should be considered to have a charge of 46e. There is an ongoing exploration of the details needed to arrive at the correct order of magnitude for the potential energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of expressing their work in a clear format, with one mentioning the use of a PDF to share their calculations. There is also a mention of potential confusion regarding the charges assigned to the fragments.

v_pino
Messages
156
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A uranium nucleus (X=92) splits into two equal fragments, and each has a radius of approximately 8x10^-15m. What is the Coulomb potential energy of such fragments when in contact?


Homework Equations


I tried using the coulomb law but that doesn't work. Could it be to do with binding energy?


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the separation r will be twice the radius. But I don't know the charge on each atom. I tried saying that the charge on each is 46e, but I don't think that's right. I can't even get the right order of magnitude with Coulomb law.

The answer should be 3.05 × 10^−11 J.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


v_pino said:

Homework Equations


I tried using the coulomb law but that doesn't work. Could it be to do with binding energy?
They most likely want you to calculate as if they were two charged balls in contact. Ie you need to include the binding energy of each of the balls, yes.
 


v_pino said:

Homework Statement


A uranium nucleus (X=92) splits into two equal fragments, and each has a radius of approximately 8x10^-15m. What is the Coulomb potential energy of such fragments when in contact?


Homework Equations


I tried using the coulomb law but that doesn't work. Could it be to do with binding energy?


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the separation r will be twice the radius. But I don't know the charge on each atom. I tried saying that the charge on each is 46e, but I don't think that's right. I can't even get the right order of magnitude with Coulomb law.

The answer should be 3.05 × 10^−11 J.

I think everything you said you did is right. If I work it out I get 3.05 × 10^−11 J. What you didn't do right must be in what you didn't tell us. Can you show us the details?
 


Thanks for the reply. I've upload a pdf file of my working since I don't know how to type in latex.
 

Attachments



v_pino said:
Thanks for the reply. I've upload a pdf file of my working since I don't know how to type in latex.
Ah, it is as simple as that you forgot that both sides need to have a charge of 46e, right now you are calculating as if one is 46e and the other is just a single e.
 


Got it! Thanks!
 

Similar threads

Calculating energy released due to fission of heavy nucleus into equal nuclei.,,
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Binding energy, Coulomb energy
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Getting electric potential from charge density over whole sp
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electrons and their little role in nuclear physics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the Perturbation in the Modified Coulomb Model of a Hydrogen Atom?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Graduate How to explain the nuclear radius of Uranium 238 using QM
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Undergrad Separation energy of nucleons and Coulomb barrier
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Why the binding energy per nucleon has specific pattern?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Find electric potential of field inside and outside nucleus
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
High School Why don't neutrons bind into large out of control masses?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K