A free nucleus of mass 24 amu, initially at rest emits a gamma photon. The energy of the photon is 7 MeV. The kinetic energy of recoiling nucleus is approximately equal to :- [Take : 1 amu = 931 MeV]
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Question

A free nucleus of mass 24 amu, initially at rest emits a gamma photon. The energy of the photon is 7 MeV. The kinetic energy of recoiling nucleus is approximately equal to :- [Take : 1 amu = 931 MeV]

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Photon momentum p=Eγ/c. Step 2: Recoil energy K=p²/(2M)=Eγ²/(2Mc²). Step 3: With Eγ=7 MeV and M=24×931 MeV/c², K≈1.1 keV. Correct answer: A.