The nucleus of 8Be, which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons, is very unstable

Question

The nucleus of 8Be, which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons, is very unstable and spontaneously breaks into two alpha particles (helium nuclei each consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons). What is the force between the two alpha particles when they are 5.40 times 10^-15 m apart? Your response differs significantly from the correct answer. Rework your solution from the beginning and check each step carefully N What is the initial magnitude of the acceleration of the alpha particles due to this force? Note that the mass of an alpha particle is 4.0026 u. Your response differs from the correct answer by more than 10%. Double check your calculations. m/s^2

Explanation / Answer

part a:

mass of each alpha particle=6.64647*10^(-27) kg

then force=G*m1*m2/d^2

where G=universal gravitaional constant=6.674*10^(-11)

hence force=6.674*10^(-11)*6.64647*10^(-27)*6.64647*10^(-27)/(5.4*10^(-15))^2=1.0111*10^(-34) N

part b:

accleration=force/mass=1.0111*10^(-34) /(6.64647*10^(-27))=1.5213*10^(-8) m/s^2

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