- #1
flyingpig
- 2,579
- 1
Homework Statement
[PLAIN]http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9025/93408370.jpg
The Attempt at a Solution
Shouldn't it be 2Q + x = -Q
x = -3Q?
My book say it is +Q
Last edited by a moderator:
betel said:+Q is correct.
What would happen to the single electrons carrying the charge if you joined the two spheres by a conducting wire?
The Q value, or the difference in energy between the reactants and products in a nuclear reaction, is positive because the products have lower mass than the reactants and energy is released in the form of kinetic energy.
The positivity of Q is affected by the masses of the reactants and products, as well as the binding energies of the nuclei involved. Essentially, a positive Q value indicates that the products are more stable than the reactants.
No, the Q value cannot be negative. In order for a nuclear reaction to occur, energy must be released, so the Q value must always be positive.
The positivity of Q reflects the stability of atoms in a nuclear reaction. As mentioned, a positive Q value indicates that the products are more stable than the reactants, meaning that the reaction is energetically favorable.
The Q value is important in understanding the energetics and stability of nuclear reactions. It can also be used to predict whether a reaction will occur spontaneously or require an external source of energy.