The set of nuclear reactions that power our sun can be summarized a 4p+ → ⁴He+2 + 2e+. The masses of the particles involved are 938.272 MeV/c² (proton, p⁺), 3727.38 MeV/c² (alpha particle, ⁴He⁺²), and 0.511 MeV/c² (positron, e+). How much energy is released by each set of these reactions? A) 24.69 MeV B) 28.3 MeV C) 2790 MeV D) 279 MeV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the mass of the reactants (4 protons) is greater than the mass of the products (an alpha particle and two positrons). The difference in mass is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2. The energy released is 24.69 MeV.

The Set of Nuclear Reactions That Power Our Sun Can