Radioactive Decay Energy?

Question

What is the energy of the α particle emitted in the decay

253Fm ==> 249Cf + α?

I tried E=mc^2 of the mass of the alpha particle, but that didn't work? I'm really confused. Thanks!

Answer 1

The amount of energy released is determined by the mass defect of the reaction:

energy= (initial mass - final mass) X 931.5 MeV/u

Energy release is 7.199 MeV

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http://pdf.aiaa.org/preview/CDReadyMSPAC...

Answer 2

Difference in Mass = (253 - 249)(1.66x10^-27) = 6.64x10^-27 Kg

E = mc²

E = (6.64x10^-27)(3x10^8)² = 5.976x10^-10 J = 3.735GeV