Chapter 20, Problem 20.23P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The energy γ photon released in the given nuclear reaction needs to be detremined, if the products have a total kinetic energy of 2.31 MeV.

$\text{n}\text{ + }\text{B}\stackrel{}{\to }\text{He + }\text{Li + γ}$

Concept introduction:

In an atom, three sub-atomic particles which are arranged in certain way to make the atom stable. The nuclear attraction force works between electrons and protons due to opposite charges. The force between protons and neutrons holds these particles together. It can be measure by measuring the amount of energy necessary to break these forces.

It can be calculated with the help of Einstein’s mass − energy equation:

${\text{ΔE= m × c}}^{\text{2}}$

The mass defect can be calculated as the difference in the atomic mass and the sum of masses of all atomic particles.