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calculate the reaction energy Q for the reaction p + 3,1 H --> 2,1 H + 2,1 H . express your answer in megaelectron volts.

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

To calculate the reaction energy Q for the specific nuclear fusion reaction of hydrogen isotopes, you must determine the mass difference between reactants and products (the mass defect) and then multiply this value by 931.49 MeV/u. Unfortunately, without the precise atomic mass values, it's not possible to compute an exact answer. Nonetheless, the given formula and methodology are correct for these types of calculations.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the reaction energy Q for the fusion reaction p + 3,1 H --> 2,1 H + 2,1 H, one must find the difference in mass between the reactants and products and then convert this mass difference to energy. The difference in mass (mass defect) is the mass of the reactant side subtracted by the mass of the product side. The energy released (Q value) is the mass defect multiplied by 931.49 MeV/u, where 1 atomic mass unit (u) is equivalent to 931.49 megaelectron volts (MeV).

The masses involved are, protons and deuterons (3,1 H) typically have masses of approximately 1.007825 u and 3.016 u respectively, while each deuteron (2,1 H) produced in the reaction has a mass of about 2.014 u.

To solve the problem you would need to know the precise atomic masses of the reactants and products, which are not provided in the question. If those were known, you'd use the formula:

Q = (mass of reactants – mass of products) × 931.49 MeV/u

Without the precise masses, the exact reaction energy cannot be calculated. When the precise atomic mass values are known, ensure that the answer is expressed in Megaelectron volts (MeV) as requested.

answered
User Gangreen
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8.1k points
3 votes

Final answer:

To calculate the reaction energy Q for a nuclear reaction, find the mass defect by subtracting the sum of the product masses from the sum of the reactant masses, and then convert this mass defect into energy using the conversion factor of 931.49 MeV/u. The exact value for Q, however, cannot be calculated without the rest masses of the isotopes involved.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the reaction energy Q for the nuclear reaction p + ^{3}_{1}H \rightarrow ^{2}_{1}H + ^{2}_{1}H, you'll need to determine the mass defect of the reaction by finding the difference between the initial and final masses and then convert this mass defect into energy using Einstein's equation, E=mc^2. The energy equivalent of 1 atomic mass unit (u) is approximately 931.49 MeV. To find Q, sum the rest masses of the reactants and subtract the sum of the rest masses of the products, multiply the resulting mass defect in atomic mass units by 931.49 MeV/u. Unfortunately, without the rest masses of the isotopes involved, we cannot calculate a specific value for Q.

The question seems related to nuclear fusion reactions, specifically discussing the fusion of deuterium nuclei. Such reactions are a source of energy in stars, including our Sun.

answered
User Ankh
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8.6k points
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