What is the recoil energy of a nucleus produced in its first energy level?

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SUMMARY

The recoil energy of a nucleus produced in its first energy level can be calculated using the conservation of energy principle. The equation derived is E0 = (m(deuteron) + m(16O) - m(17O) - m(p))c², resulting in E0 = 0.93 MeV. The subsequent calculation shows that E' = -0.74 MeV, indicating a negative energy value, which suggests inaccuracies in the mass values used. More precise measurements for the proton (m_p = 1.0073), deuteron (2.0135), and oxygen-16 (15.9949) are necessary for accurate results.

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Homework Statement
Using the data of Table, what is the recoil energy of a 17O nucleus produced in its first energy level?
Relevant Equations
...
Table:
1.png

To solve, using the conservation of energy:
2.png

E0=(m(deutron)+m(16O)-m(17O)-m(p))c^2
so:
E0=(2.014+15.994-16.999-1.008)931.5=0.93 MeV.
so using the conservation of energy:
14.95+0.93=16.62+0+E'
E'=- 0.74 MeV

But the energy sign has become negative. I also calculated for the first excited level, it was negative again. I do not know what is wrong.
 
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I think you might need more accuracy in computing ## E_o ##.
I googled ## m_p ## and got 1.0073.
For the deuteron I got 2.0135.
For O 16 I got 15.9949.
I think this makes the answer small but positive.
 
Last edited:

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