Question

Find the kinetic energy in MeV of a neutron with a measured life span of 2065 s, given its rest energy is 939.6 MeV, and rest life span is 900s.

a) 15.40 MeV
b) 17.82 MeV
c) 20.15 MeV
d) 22.50 MeV

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of the neutron is approximately 15.413 MeV.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the kinetic energy of the neutron, we need to calculate its relativistic kinetic energy using the equation:

KE = (γ - 1) * mc²

where γ is the Lorentz factor and mc² is the rest energy of the neutron.

First, let's find γ using the formula:

γ = t / t₀

where t is the measured lifespan and t₀ is the rest lifespan of the neutron.

Substituting the given values:

γ = 2065 s / 900 s

γ ≈ 2.294

Now, we can calculate the kinetic energy:

KE = (γ - 1) * mc²

KE = (2.294 - 1) * 939.6 MeV

KE ≈ 15.413 MeV (approximately)