A neutron makes a head-on elastic collision with a stationary deuteron. The fractional energy loss of the neutron in the collision is

Question

Dr. Abubacker · Accepted Answer

(b) Fractional decrease in kinetic energy of neutron
$= - \left( \frac{m_{1} - m_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} \right)^{2}$ [As $m_{1} = 1$ and $m_{2} = 2$]
$= 1 - \left( \frac{1 - 2}{1 + 2} \right)^{2} = 1 - \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^{2} = 1 - \frac{1}{9} = \frac{8}{9}$

Q. A neutron makes a head-on elastic collision with a stationary deuteron. The fractional energy loss of the neutron in the collision is

Explanation

Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

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