0
$\begingroup$

On nuclear fusion, Wikipedia reads (about Tritium-Deuterium fusion):

The (intermediate) result of the fusion is an unstable 5He nucleus, which immediately ejects a neutron with 14.1 MeV. The recoil energy of the remaining 4He nucleus is 3.5 MeV, so the total energy liberated is 17.6 MeV. This is many times more than what was needed to overcome the energy [Coulomb] barrier.

I understand that the energy of the 4He nucleus and of the neutron comes from the increase in binding energy of helium in comparison to hydrogen (which let nuclear force the opportunity to work and to release energy). However, I don't understand exactly what force is at play to give the fleeing neutron so much speed. It certainly isn't the electromagnetic force since the neutron is well, neutral.

| cite | improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
0
$\begingroup$

The half-life of helium-5 is very short (on the order of $10^{-21}$s). This time scale indicates that this decay is caused by the (residual) strong force. This force depends not only on the distance among nucleons, but also on their spins.

| cite | improve this answer | |
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for your answer. Would that then be an instance of the nuclear force being repulsive? $\endgroup$ – Angus Horner Dec 7 '19 at 16:13
  • $\begingroup$ @AngusHorner : I would think so. $\endgroup$ – akhmeteli Dec 7 '19 at 16:37

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.