A single ^218U nucleus, initially at rest, emits an alpha particle as it decays

Question

A single ^218U nucleus, initially at rest, emits an alpha particle as it decays into a 214^Th nucleus. There are no other decay products, and the kinetic energy of the alpha particle is measured to be 1.382 x 10^-12 J What is the total amount of nuclear potential energy, in joules, that was released in this process? delta PE nuclear = Number ______ J What is the difference between the original mass of the ^218U nucleus and the total mass of the fragments (^214Th and alpha particle) after the decay? delta m = Number kg

Explanation / Answer

energy COnversion in this reaction is

218 U 92 -------------> 214 Th 88    + 4 He 2

so

total enenrgy relaesed = mass defect * 931.5 MeV

s0

here mass defect = (88 *1.007825) + ((214-88) * 1.00866 +(2 *1.00782)+(2*1.00866))-(92 * 1.007825) +((218-92) * 1.00866))

mass defect DM =

ass defect = 219.811- 215.779

masss defect = 4.032 amu

so energy E = 4.032* 931.5 * 1.6 e-13

E = 6*10^-10 J is the PE ----------<<<<<<<<<<<<<<ANswer to part A:

-----------------------

mass defect = 4.032 * 1.67 e-27   = 6.733 *10^-27 kgs

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