Estimate the amount of energy released in the nuclear fusion reaction:

1.	Estimate the amount of energy released in the nuclear fusion reaction:21H + 21H → 32 He + n[21H: deuterium, 32He; Isotope of helium], Given that M [32He] = 3.0160 u, M[n] = 1.000 87 u and M[21H = 2.014 u, where 1u = 1.661 x 10-27 kg]. Express your answer in units of MeV.
Answer» Mass of reactants = 2 x 2.0141 u = 4.0282 u Mass of products = 3.0160 u + 1.0087 u = 4.02247 u Mass defect = Δm = (4.0282 - 4.0247) u = 3.5 x 10^-3 u = 3.5 x 10^-3 x 1.661 x 10^-27 kg Energy released = (Loss of mass x c²) J = 3.5 x 10^-3 x 1.661 x 10^-27 x (3 x 10⁸)² = {0.5232 x 10^-12}/{1.6 x 10^-13} = 3.27 MeV

Estimate the amount of energy released in the nuclear fusion reaction:21H + 21H → 32 He + n[21H: deuterium, 32He; Isotope of helium], Given that M [32He] = 3.0160 u, M[n] = 1.000 87 u and M[21H = 2.014 u, where 1u = 1.661 x 10-27 kg]. Express your answer in units of MeV.

Answer»

Mass of reactants = 2 x 2.0141 u = 4.0282 u

Mass of products = 3.0160 u + 1.0087 u = 4.02247 u

Mass defect = Δm = (4.0282 - 4.0247) u

= 3.5 x 10^-3 u

= 3.5 x 10^-3 x 1.661 x 10^-27 kg

Energy released = (Loss of mass x c²) J

= 3.5 x 10^-3 x 1.661 x 10^-27 x (3 x 10⁸)²

= {0.5232 x 10^-12}/{1.6 x 10^-13} = 3.27 MeV