(L09) A mass spectrometer is used to separate uranium isotopes 235U and 238U. A beam of mixed 235U and 238U ions travelling at 6500 m/s enters in a uniform magnetic field. Then the isotopes separate from each other by travelling along different semicircles within the magnetic field. Both the isotope ions carry a +4.8E-19 C charge, and the isotope masses are 3.901E-25 kg for 235U and 3.951E-25 kg for 238U. If the semicircle radius of the 235U ions is 13.1 m, what is the separation of the isotopes (the difference between semicircle radii of the two isotopes in meter)?

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question
### Uranium Isotope Separation using a Mass Spectrometer

**Overview:**

A mass spectrometer is a device used to separate isotopes of uranium (^235U and ^238U). The device works by sending a beam of mixed ^235U and ^238U ions, each travelling at a speed of 6500 m/s, through a uniform magnetic field. Due to differences in their masses, the ions travel in different semicircular paths within the magnetic field. 

**Charge and Mass of Ions:**

- Both ^235U and ^238U ions carry a charge of +4.8E-19 C.
- The mass of ^235U is 3.901E-25 kg.
- The mass of ^238U is 3.951E-25 kg.

**Experimental Details:**

If the semicircular radius for ^235U ions is known to be 13.1 m, the task is to determine the separation of the isotopes (calculated as the difference between the radii of the semicircles traced by each isotope in the magnetic field).

### Explanation of the Physical Principle:

1. **Lorentz Force**: When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it experiences a force perpendicular to both its velocity and the magnetic field, causing it to move in a curved path.

2. **Radius of Curvature**: The radius of the path taken by a charged particle in a magnetic field depends on its mass (m), velocity (v), charge (q), and the magnetic field strength (B). This relationship is given by the formula:
   
   \[
   r = \frac{mv}{qB}
   \]

3. **Calculation**: Given the velocities, charges, and the radius for ^235U, we can derive the radius for the ^238U ions and then find the separation.

### Problem Solving:

Given:
- \( r_{235} \) = 13.1 m (radius for ^235U)
- \( m_{235} \) = 3.901E-25 kg
- \( m_{238} \) = 3.951E-25 kg
- \( v \) = 6500 m/s
- \( q \) = 4.8E-19 C

Using the relationship:
\[ r = \frac{mv}{qB} \]
For ^235U:
\[ r_{235} = \frac{m
Transcribed Image Text:### Uranium Isotope Separation using a Mass Spectrometer **Overview:** A mass spectrometer is a device used to separate isotopes of uranium (^235U and ^238U). The device works by sending a beam of mixed ^235U and ^238U ions, each travelling at a speed of 6500 m/s, through a uniform magnetic field. Due to differences in their masses, the ions travel in different semicircular paths within the magnetic field. **Charge and Mass of Ions:** - Both ^235U and ^238U ions carry a charge of +4.8E-19 C. - The mass of ^235U is 3.901E-25 kg. - The mass of ^238U is 3.951E-25 kg. **Experimental Details:** If the semicircular radius for ^235U ions is known to be 13.1 m, the task is to determine the separation of the isotopes (calculated as the difference between the radii of the semicircles traced by each isotope in the magnetic field). ### Explanation of the Physical Principle: 1. **Lorentz Force**: When a charged particle enters a magnetic field, it experiences a force perpendicular to both its velocity and the magnetic field, causing it to move in a curved path. 2. **Radius of Curvature**: The radius of the path taken by a charged particle in a magnetic field depends on its mass (m), velocity (v), charge (q), and the magnetic field strength (B). This relationship is given by the formula: \[ r = \frac{mv}{qB} \] 3. **Calculation**: Given the velocities, charges, and the radius for ^235U, we can derive the radius for the ^238U ions and then find the separation. ### Problem Solving: Given: - \( r_{235} \) = 13.1 m (radius for ^235U) - \( m_{235} \) = 3.901E-25 kg - \( m_{238} \) = 3.951E-25 kg - \( v \) = 6500 m/s - \( q \) = 4.8E-19 C Using the relationship: \[ r = \frac{mv}{qB} \] For ^235U: \[ r_{235} = \frac{m
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 4 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Magnetic field
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON