How much energy is released when 1.40 μg of ³H have decayed to ³He? The mass of ³He is 3.016029 u,the mass of ³H is 3.016049 u,and 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c². A) 830 J B) 11,900 J C) 7970 J D) 71,700 J E) 23,900 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy released is equal to the mass difference between the initial and final states, multiplied by the speed of light squared. The mass difference is (3.016049 u - 3.016029 u) * 931.494 MeV/c^2 = 0.00002 u * 931.494 MeV/c^2 = 18.6 MeV. The energy released is therefore 18.6 MeV * 1.40 μg * (1 g / 10^6 μg) = 830 J.

How Much Energy Is Released When 1