The binding energy per nucleon of deuterium ( ) is

PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

The binding energy per nucleon of deuterium (12H^{2}_{1}\mathrm H) is 1.1 MeV1.1\,\text{MeV}, while that of helium-4 (24He^{4}_{2}\mathrm{He}) is 7.1 MeV7.1\,\text{MeV}. Two deuterium nuclei combine to form one helium-4 nucleus. Will this fusion reaction release energy or absorb energy? State your answer with a brief reason.

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