Question

The Q value of a nuclear reaction A + b → C + d is defined by Q = [ m_A+ m_b− m_C− md]c² where the masses refer to the respective nuclei. Determine from the given data the Q-value of the following reactions and state whether the reactions are exothermic or endothermic.

Answer 1

(i) The given nuclear reaction is:

The negative Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is endothermic.
(ii) The given nuclear reaction is:

The Q-value of this reaction is given as:

The positive Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is exothermic.