Chapter 31, Problem 11P

To determine

The reaction and its Q value.

Answer to Problem 11P

The required Q value is $0.626\text{MeV}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The radioactive ${}_6^{14}\text{C}$ is produced in the atmosphere when the neutron is absorbed by the ${}_7^{14}\text{N}$ .

Calculation:

Consider the mass reaction is,

  ${}_7^{14}{\text{N+}}_0^1\mathrm{n}{\to }_6^{14}\mathrm{C}+\mathrm{p}$

Then, the rest mass of the product is,

  $14.003074\text{u,}1.008665\text{u},14.003242\text{u}$ and $1.007825\text{u}$

The value of the Q is,

  $\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{Q}=14.003074\text{u}+1.008665\text{u}-14.003242\text{u}-1.007825\text{u}\\ =0.626\text{MeV}\end{array}$