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Two deuterium atoms, each of mass 2.014102 u, fuse to form one helium-4 atom of mass 4.002603 u…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Two deuterium atoms, each of mass u, fuse to form one helium-4 atom of mass u. Find the energy released in MeV. Find the energy for each nucleon that took part, and the share of the rest mass that is turned into energy. Compare the energy for each nucleon with the MeV of a uranium fission.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
When nuclei change into nuclei with a higher binding energy per nucleon, the total binding energy rises, and the gain is released as energy: for the nucleons of the whole system. The curve of peaks near to at about MeV.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The mass lost. Before: u. After: u. The lost mass is u.
Step 2. The energy. MeV.
Step 3. For each nucleon. MeV.
Step 4. The share of the mass. .
Answer: MeV, MeV for each nucleon, and of the mass.
Check. A uranium fission gives MeV for each nucleon, so the fusion releases times more for the same mass of fuel.
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