Question:

A nucleus is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. Show that if it disintegrates into two smaller nuclei the products must move in opposite directions.

Updated On: Nov 7, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

Total initial momentum = Total final momentum

0=m1v1+m2+v2

\(v_1=\frac{-m_2v_2}{m_1}\)

the negative sign indicates that the fragments of the parent nucleus move in directions opposite to each other.

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Concepts Used:

Newtons Laws of Motion

Newton’s First Law of Motion:

Newton’s 1st law states that a body at rest or uniform motion will continue to be at rest or uniform motion until and unless a net external force acts on it.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion:

Newton’s 2nd law states that the acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the object’s mass.

Mathematically, we express the second law of motion as follows:

Newton’s Third Law of Motion:

Newton’s 3rd law states that there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action.