This calculator is designed for physicists and students to determine the Q-value of nuclear reactions, a crucial aspect in understanding energy changes during these processes.
Interactive Calculator
Q-value: 0 MeV
Source of Data and Methodology
All calculations are based strictly on the formulas and data provided by the National Nuclear Data Center. For further details, visit NNDC QCalc.
The Formula Explained
The Q-value formula is given by:
\( Q = (m_{\text{reactants}} - m_{\text{products}}) \times c^2 \)
Glossary of Variables
- mreactants: Total mass of reactants.
- mproducts: Total mass of products.
- c: Speed of light in vacuum (approximately \(3 \times 10^8\) m/s).
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Consider a reaction where the mass of reactants is 10 u and the mass of products is 9.5 u. The Q-value can be calculated as:
\( Q = (10 - 9.5) \times 931.5 = 465.75 \text{ MeV} \)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Q-value in nuclear reactions?
The Q-value is the amount of energy released or absorbed during a nuclear reaction.
Why is the Q-value important?
It helps determine whether a reaction is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy).