- #1
Sudikshya Pant
- 14
- 0
A 1 keV fast neutron (relative mass 1) in a moderator collides elastically with a helium atom He (relative mass 4) at rest. What is the maximum amount of energy the neutron can lose?
My answer is 16/25 of 1ke but while deriving this answer I simply solved based on the question as if the "maximum" in the question didn't exist. But later on I wondered if it has some significance for which I should have applied different method than the general one i.e. using conservation of momentum and energy assuming different final velocities for both the masses.
I also wondered if the answer could be as the neutron 1ke it might lose all of its energy if it comes to a halt but again I doubt that it is possible because helium is not extremely large in mass compared to neutron.
I wanted help to know if there any significance of maximum in the question? I request you to give hint if it does!
My answer is 16/25 of 1ke but while deriving this answer I simply solved based on the question as if the "maximum" in the question didn't exist. But later on I wondered if it has some significance for which I should have applied different method than the general one i.e. using conservation of momentum and energy assuming different final velocities for both the masses.
I also wondered if the answer could be as the neutron 1ke it might lose all of its energy if it comes to a halt but again I doubt that it is possible because helium is not extremely large in mass compared to neutron.
I wanted help to know if there any significance of maximum in the question? I request you to give hint if it does!