Why does some reactions do't go to the fundamental state?

In summary, reactions may not reach the fundamental state due to impurities, suboptimal reaction conditions, incorrect stoichiometry, or reversibility. The fundamental state refers to the most thermodynamically stable state of the reactants, and it can be affected by impurities, which can be controlled by adjusting reaction conditions and using catalysts.
  • #1
Frank Einstein
170
1
Hi everybody, after studyng a little bit of nuclear physics I have noticed that many reactions (α,β,γ...) end with the new particles in excited states which rea¡main in those for a little time before going to the fundamental.

I don't know why this happens instead of going directly to the fundamental state.

Can someone please tell me why this happens?

Thank you very much.
 
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  • #2
Usually, both reactions are possible. The more likely one depends on things like spin, transition energy and sometimes a few other factors. Why would you expect some transitions to be impossible?
 

Related to Why does some reactions do't go to the fundamental state?

1. Why do some reactions not reach the fundamental state?

There can be several reasons why a reaction does not reach the fundamental state. One common reason is the presence of impurities or contaminants in the reaction mixture, which can interfere with the desired reaction pathway. Another reason could be the reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, or pH, not being optimal for the reaction to proceed to the fundamental state. Additionally, the reactants may not be in the correct stoichiometric ratio, or the reaction may be reversible, leading to an equilibrium state rather than the fundamental state.

2. What is the fundamental state in a reaction?

The fundamental state in a reaction refers to the most thermodynamically stable state that the reactants can form. This state is characterized by the lowest energy level and is often the desired end product of a reaction. Reactions that do not reach the fundamental state may form intermediate products or by-products before reaching the desired state.

3. How do impurities affect the fundamental state of a reaction?

Impurities can disrupt the reaction by reacting with the reactants or by forming intermediate products that do not lead to the fundamental state. They can also affect the reaction kinetics by altering the rate of the reaction or shifting the equilibrium towards a different product. It is important to minimize impurities in a reaction to ensure the formation of the desired fundamental state.

4. Can the fundamental state of a reaction be predicted?

In most cases, the fundamental state of a reaction can be predicted based on the reactants and reaction conditions. Thermodynamic principles such as Gibbs free energy can be used to calculate the stability of different products and predict which one will form the fundamental state. However, in some cases, unexpected factors such as catalysts or side reactions may affect the outcome of the reaction.

5. How can the fundamental state of a reaction be controlled?

The fundamental state of a reaction can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and pH, to favor the desired product. The use of catalysts can also help to direct the reaction towards the fundamental state. Additionally, careful selection and purification of reactants can minimize the formation of impurities and increase the likelihood of reaching the fundamental state.

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