Question

A neutron is moving with velocity \( v \). It collides head on and elastically with an atom of mass number \( A \). If the initial kinetic energy of the neutron is \( E \), then how much kinetic energy will be retained by the neutron after reflection?

• A. \( \frac{A}{A+1} E \)
• B. \( \frac{A}{A+1}^2 E \)
• C. \( \left( A-1 \right)^2 \frac{E}{A+1} \)
• D. \( \frac{(A-1)}{A+1} E \)

Hint:

In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved, and the energy retained by a particle can be calculated using the mass ratio.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The kinetic energy retained by the neutron after an elastic collision is determined by the relative mass and velocity changes in the collision. Using the formula for energy conservation in elastic collisions, we can calculate the energy retained by the neutron.