Question

Calculate the height of the potential barrier for a head on collision of two deuterons. (Hint The height of the potential barrier is given by the Coulomb repulsion between the two deuterons when they just touch each other. Assume that they can be taken as hard spheres of radius 2.0 fm.)

Answer 1

Dear Student,

◆ Answer -

V = 360 keV

● Explaination -

Distance between two deuterons touching each other would be -

d = 2r

d = 2 × 2×10^-15

d = 4×10^-15 m

Height of potential barrier (potential energy) for head-on collision of two deuterons is calculated by -

V = e²/4πε0.d

Substitute values,

V = 1.6×10^-19)² × 9×10^9 / 4×10^-15

V = 5.76×10^−14 V

I presume you want the answer in keV,

V = 5.76×10^−14 / 1.6×10^-19 eV

V = 360000 eV

V = 360 keV

Hence, height of potential barrier for head-on collision of two deuterons is 360 keV.

Hope that helps you.