Question

A proton is bombarded on a stationary lithium nucleus. As a result of the collision two α-particle are produced. If the direction of motion of the β-particle with the initial direction of motion makes an angle cos^-1(1/4), find the kinetic energy of the striking proton. Given binding energies per nucleon of Li⁷ and He⁴ are 5.60 and 7.06 MeV respectively. (Assume mass of proton = mass of neutron)

Answer 1

Q value of the reaction is,

Applying conservation of energy for collision,

(Here K_p and K_α are the kinetic energies of proton and α-particle respectively)

From conservation of linear momentum,