SEMFapplicationII.ppt-DepartmentofPhysics,HKU.pptVIP

Semi-Empirical Mass FormulaApplications – IINucleon Separation Energies and Fission [Sec. 4.4 + 12.1 Dunlap] The Semi-Empirical Mass Formula Let us see how this equation can be applied to Neutron Separation Energies Alpha Particle Decay Energies Fission Single neutron separation energies Fig 4.8 PULLING NEUTRONS OUT OF ODD-A NUCLIDES The arrows show the transitions from the odd A parabola to the even (A-1) parabolas for the two cases of (e,o)?(o,o) breaking pairing on neutron side (o,e)?(e,e) breaking no pairing bond Single neutron separation energies In an earlier lecture we found that the separation energy for a neutron was: This can be written in terms of mass of constituents and binding energies Odd Even Apply the SEMF assuming B(A,Z) is continuous in A. A B 1 to o-o to e-e Single neutron separation energies Now apply the SEMF: This is an interesting result because it can give us an equation for the “neutron drip” line by putting Sn=0 Mass Parabolas Neutron number Proton number Z=N Neutron drip line Alpha Particle Decay Q We saw in a previous lecture that the Q-value (energy released) in ?-decay is: where From which: Alpha Particle Decay Q Energy released in Fission The diagram shows the Q (energy released) from the fission of 236U as a function of the A of one of the fragments (as obtained from the SEMF). Note that maximum energy release is 210MeV/Fission for the nucleus splitting into equal fragments. Energy released in Fission This figure shows the prediction of the SEMF for the energy released in FISSION when two equal fragments are formed. Energy released in Fission The Fission Barrier The origin of the fission barrier can be seen by reversing the fission process. Two fission fragments approach with (1/r) potential – consider the fragments equal. When r decreases until the two fragments are nearly touching the nuclear attractive strong force takes over – the potential energy is less than that calculated by Coulomb law. Fission barrier Unde