What is the expected rate of reactions in the detector?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the expected rate of reactions in a neutrino detector. The reactor emits 10^21 neutrinos per second, and the detector's liquid contains a specific density of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The relevant equation for the reaction rate is W = σ J n δx, where σ is the cross-section, J is the incoming particle rate, n is the number density of target atoms, and δx is the thickness of the detector. Participants are considering how to accurately determine the number density of carbon atoms and whether to use the direct particle rate or calculate the flux based on distance from the reactor. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity on the thickness of the detector and the appropriate method for calculating the reaction rate.
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Homework Statement



A reactor fires out ##10^{21}## neutrinos per second. A detector containing ##10m^3## of liquid which contains 30 carbon atoms every 60 hydrogen atoms. The detector-reactor distance is ##1000##. The cross section for the reaction is ##\sigma = 10^{-46} m^2##, and the density of the liquid is ##870 kg m^{-3}##. Find the expected rate of reactions.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the rate of reactions is ##W = \sigma J n \delta x## where ##J## is incoming particles per second and ##n## is number density and ##\delta x## is thickness.
Number of carbon atoms per unit volume in the detector is ##\frac{60}{90} \frac{(870)(10.3)}{(1.67 \times 10^{-27}) (10.3)} = 3.5 \times 10^{29} m^{-3}##. Can I take ##J## to be ##10^{21}##? What is the thickness in this case?
 
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Or is it better to use ##W = \sigma \frac{J}{A} (nA\delta x) = \sigma \frac{J}{A} N## where I can find the flux from using ##\frac{J}{4\pi r^2}##?
 
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