The deuterium–tritium fusion reaction ^2_1 H +^3_1 H ^4_2 He +^1_0 n +17.6 , MeV is…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

The deuterium–tritium fusion reaction

^2_1\mathrm{H}+^3_1\mathrm{H}\rightarrow ^4_2\mathrm{He}+^1_0\mathrm{n}+17.6\,\text{MeV}

is considered for energy generation. (a) Calculate the energy released, in joule, by completely fusing

1.0\,\text{kg}

of an equimolar D–T mixture. Use

N_A = 6.02\times10^{23}\,\text{mol}^{-1}

; molar masses: deuterium

=2\,\text{g\,mol}^{-1}

, tritium

=3\,\text{g\,mol}^{-1}

;

1\,\text{eV}=1.6\times10^{-19}\,\text{J}

. (b) Coal releases

3.0\times10^{7}\,\text{J\,kg}^{-1}

on combustion. Find the mass of coal that would liberate the same energy as in part (a).