PhysicsLAB AP Free Response Question
2012 B7

The momentum of a particular proton is 5.5 x 10-20 kg m/s . Relativistic effects can be ignored throughout this question.
 
 (a) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the proton.

 (b) Calculate the kinetic energy of the proton.

The proton is directed toward a very distant stationary uranium nucleus, 23592U . The proton reaches a distance D from the center of the nucleus and then reverses direction. Assume that the nucleus is heavy enough to remain stationary during the interaction.
 
 (c) Calculate the value of D.

 
(d) After the proton has moved away, the 23592U nucleus spontaneously fissions into 14857La and 8435Br , along with three neutrons. As a result, 2.5 x 10-11 J of energy is released. Indicate whether the mass of the 23592U nucleus is greater or less than the mass of the fission products.
 
____ Greater
____ Less
 

 Calculate the mass difference.





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