The fusion reaction ^2_ 1 H + ^3_ 1 H ; ; ^4_ 2 He + ^1_ 0 n occurs inside…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Nuclei · Nuclei

Problem

The fusion reaction

^2_{1}\mathrm H + ^3_{1}\mathrm H \;\rightarrow\; ^4_{2}\mathrm He + ^1_{0}\mathrm n

occurs inside thermonuclear devices. The following atomic masses are given:

^2_{1}\mathrm H = 2.014102\,\text{u}

^3_{1}\mathrm H = 3.016049\,\text{u}

^4_{2}\mathrm He = 4.002603\,\text{u}

^1_{0}\mathrm n = 1.008665\,\text{u}

. Take

1\,\text{u} = 931.5\,\text{MeV}

. (i) Find the total rest mass of the reactants and of the products, each correct to

6

significant figures. (ii) Calculate the energy released in a single fusion event. Express your answer in MeV correct to two decimal places.