Two lithium nuclei in a lithium vapor at room temperature do not combine to form a carbon nucleus because
Two lithium nuclei in a lithium vapor at room temperature do not combine to form a carbon nucleus because
The correct option is D Coulomb repulsion does not allow the nuclei to come very close
When we see the Binding energy per nucleon curve we realize that the Binding energy per nucleon of carbon is more than that of the lithium. Hence two lithium nuclei combining and forming a C-12 nucleus is energetically favorable as the binding energy is increasing and hence energy would be released.
Also due to binding energy per nucleon of lithium is less than that of C-12, lithium is obviously less bound than the carbon. It’s the most abundant isotope of carbon and not at all unstable, otherwise, its half-life would be too small.
So three options are already eliminated.
We are left with the fourth one that Coulomb repulsion doesn't allow nuclei to come closer and this is correct.
Two lithium nuclei could fuse and form Carbon nucleus and release energy but since to do this the two lithium nuclei which are positively charged need to come as close as approx. 2 fm so that nuclear force could take over and fusion could take place but, due to Coulomb repulsion they can't come close at room temperature. Because at room temperatures their kinetic energy is not sufficient enough to overcome the repulsion.
When we see the Binding energy per nucleon curve we realize that the Binding energy per nucleon of carbon is more than that of the lithium. Hence two lithium nuclei combining and forming a C-12 nucleus is energetically favorable as the binding energy is increasing and hence energy would be released.
Also due to binding energy per nucleon of lithium is less than that of C-12, lithium is obviously less bound than the carbon. It’s the most abundant isotope of carbon and not at all unstable, otherwise, its half-life would be too small.
So three options are already eliminated.
We are left with the fourth one that Coulomb repulsion doesn't allow nuclei to come closer and this is correct.
Two lithium nuclei could fuse and form Carbon nucleus and release energy but since to do this the two lithium nuclei which are positively charged need to come as close as approx. 2 fm so that nuclear force could take over and fusion could take place but, due to Coulomb repulsion they can't come close at room temperature. Because at room temperatures their kinetic energy is not sufficient enough to overcome the repulsion.
