Question

A neutron having kinetic energy 12.5 eV collides with a hydrogen atom at rest. Nelgect the difference in mass between the neutron and the hydrogen atom and assume that the neutron does not leave its line of motion. Find the possible kinetic energies of the neutron after the event.

Answer 1

The possible kinetic energy of the neutron after the event will be zero (0).

Explanation:

• It is given that the neutron’s kinetic energy, K = 12.5 eV.
• Two bodies velocities of equal body masses that are experiencing one dimension’s elastic collision interchanges after the collision.
• It is to be noted that the hydrogen atom is at rest. After the collision, the neutron’s velocity will become zero. So, the energy level is zero.
• Therefore the possible kinetic energies of the neutron after the event is zero (0) ,with kinetic energy 12.5 eV collides with a hydrogen atom at rest.