Chapter 30.3, Problem 42SSC

To determine

To Explain:A proton requires more energy than a neutron when used to bombard a nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

If the nuclei are givensufficient kinetic energy that overcomes the electric potential energy because of repulsion, then it will result in the combination and will generate energy and will fall into a deep well.

In a nuclear reaction if the total mass of the outcome particles is lesser than the mass of the initial reactants than the energy is been released.

The proton and nucleus will repel each other as they have a positive charge.

Hence, the proton will have the kinetic energy to transcend the potential energy coming from the repulsion.

The neutron doesn't experience a repulsive charge as it is uncharged.

Conclusion:

Hence, the proton tends to have kinetic energy coming from repulsion whereas the neutron does not experience repulsion.