A nucleus is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. Show that i

1.	A nucleus is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. Show that if it disintegrates into two smaller nuclei the products must move in opposite directions.
Answer» Let m₁ & m₂ be the masses of smaller nuclei and let \(\vec v_1\) & \(\vec v_2\) be their velocities. According to the law of conservation of momentum. Initial momentum = final momentum 0 = m₁ \(\vec v_1\) + \(\vec v_2\) or \(\vec v_1\)= - \(\frac {-m_1}{m_2}\)\(\vec v_1\) Hence v₁ & v₂ are in opposite direction.

A nucleus is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. Show that if it disintegrates into two smaller nuclei the products must move in opposite directions.

Answer»

Let m₁ & m₂ be the masses of smaller nuclei and let \(\vec v_1\) & \(\vec v_2\) be their velocities.

According to the law of conservation of momentum.

Initial momentum = final momentum

0 = m₁ \(\vec v_1\) + \(\vec v_2\)

or \(\vec v_1\)= - \(\frac {-m_1}{m_2}\)\(\vec v_1\)

Hence v₁ & v₂ are in opposite direction.