Question

The Q value of a nuclear reaction A + b → C + d is defined by

Q = [ m_A+ m_b− m_C− m_d]c² where the masses refer to the respective nuclei. Determine from the given data the Q-value of the following reactions and state whether the reactions are exothermic or endothermic.

(i)

(ii)

Atomic masses are given to be

Answer 1

(i) The given nuclear reaction is:

It is given that:

Atomic mass

Atomic mass

Atomic mass

According to the question, the Q-value of the reaction can be written as:

The negativeQ-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is endothermic.

(ii) The given nuclear reaction is:

It is given that:

Atomic mass of

Atomic mass of

Atomic mass of

The Q-value of this reaction is given as:

The positive Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is exothermic.