Question

Find the minimum kinetic energy of an α-particle to cause the reaction 14N (α, p) 17O. The masses of 14N, 4He, 1H and 17O are respectively 14.00307u, 4.00260u, 1.00783u and 16.99913u.

Answer 1

Since, the masses are given in atomic mass unit, it is easiest to proceed by finding the mass difference between reactants and products in the same units and then multiplying by 931.5 MeV/u. Thus, we have

Q value is negative. It means reaction is endothermic.

So, the minimum kinetic energy of α-particle to initiate this reaction would be,