A nucleus with mass number 220 initially at rest emits an α -particle. If the Q value of the reaction is 5.5 MeV , then calculate the kinetic energy of the α -particle.

Step-by-step solution

Given that K 1 + K 2 = 5.5 MeV ... (i) From conservation of linear momentum, p 1 = p 2 2 K 1 ( 216 m ) = 2 K 2 ( 4 m ) (As p = 2 K m ) K 2 = 54 K 1 ... (ii) Solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get K 2 = K.E. of α -particle 5.4 MeV .