Question

A series of reactions in the Sun leads to the fusion of three helium nuclei (42He) to form one carbon nucleus (126C) .

Part A

Determine the net energy released by the reactions.

Express your answer using three significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Q =

SubmitRequest Answer

Part B

What fraction of the total mass of the three helium nuclei is converted to energy?

Express your answer using three significant figures.

Answer 1

Here ,

mass of He ,m1 = 4.002602 u

mass of Carbon -12 , M = 12 u

part A)

mass defect , delta m = 3 * m1 - M

delta m = 3 * 4.002602 - 12

delta m = 0.007806 u

net energy released by the reaction = delta m * c^2

net energy released by the reaction = 0.007806 * 1.66054 *10^-27 * (3 *10^8)^2

net energy released by the reaction = 1.16703 *10^-12 J or 1.16703 pj=7.284 Mev

part B)

part of total mass converted to energy = delta/(3 * m)

part of total mass converted to energy = 0.007806/(3 * 4.002602)

part of total mass converted to energy = 0.00065

the part of total mass converted to energy is 0.00065