Energy released calculation using Binding energy and mass defect

  • #1
phantomvommand
242
38
TL;DR Summary
I notice a discrepancy in calculating the energy released when using binding energy and mass defect.
Consider the equation
X (200, 50) + n (1, 0) -> Y (120, 30) + Z (70, 20) + 11 n(1, 0)

Let p be the mass of a proton, n be the mass of a neutron.
BE(X) = [50p + 150n - M(X)] c^2
BE(Y) = [30p + 90n - M(Y)] c^2
BE(Z) = [20p + 50n - M(Z)]c^2

The energy released when using BE (products) - BE (reactants) is thus: [M(X) - M(Y) - M(Z) - 10n] c^2
On the other hand, the mass released using [Mass (reactants) - Mass (products)]c^2 = [M(X) - M(Y) - M(Z)] c^2

There is a difference of 10n * c^2. Which is the correct calculation and why is the other wrong? Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How can you leave out the neutrons?
 
  • Like
Likes mfb

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
14
Views
850
Replies
13
Views
230
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
9K
Back
Top