Question

What is the energy released in this nuclear reaction 95247Am → 96247Cm + -10e? (The atomic mass of 247Am is 247.072091 u and that of 247Cm is 247.070354 u)

PLEASE, DO NOT ROUND NUMBERS. Thanks!

Answer 1

From change in mass we can calculate its energy equivalent using Einstein's equation, E = mc².

1 u = 1.6605 ×× 10^-27 kg

mass of electron = 0.00055 amu

Now Mass on Left side (Reactants) = (247.072091) = 247.072091 u

Mass on right side (Products) = (247.070354) + 10*(0.00055) = 247.075854 amu

Change in mass = 23471.8486 amu - 23718.759484 amu = -0.00376299999 atomic mass units

Energy Released = ( -0.00376299999 amu)(1.6606 x 10^-27 kg/amu)(2.9979 x 10⁸ m/s)^{2 =}-5.6160832\10^(-13) J

Negative sign hence exothermic