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disintegration energy

nuclear physics
Also known as: Q-value

Quick Summary

Disintegration energy, in nuclear physics, refers to the energy released during nuclear reactions, such as fission or radioactive decay. This energy originates from the difference in mass between the initial reactants and the final products, as described by Einstein's equation, (E = mc^2).123

In nuclear fission, when a heavy nucleus splits into lighter fragments, a significant amount of energy is released. This energy manifests as kinetic energy of the fragments, prompt gamma rays, and kinetic energy of emitted neutrons. Some energy is also released later through the radioactive decay of fission products. Spontaneous fission is a type of radioactive decay where unstable nuclei split into two fragments, releasing substantial energy. Photodisintegration is another nuclear reaction where a nucleus absorbs high-energy electromagnetic radiation and ejects a subatomic particle. Electrodisintegration involves the disintegration of atomic nuclei through bombardment with charged particles.14567

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