Question

1. Write one nuclear fusion reaction.
2. State the approximate value of energy released in the reaction mentioned in part (a).
3. Give reason for the release of energy stated in part (b).

Answer 1

1. 1. \[\ce{\underset{\text{(deuterium)}}{^2_1H} + \underset{\text{(deuterium)}}{^2_1H} -> \underset{\text{(helium isotope)}}{^3_2He}} + \underset{\text{(neutron)}}{^1_0n} + 3.3 \text{MeV}\]
   2. \[\ce{\underset{\text{(helium isotope)}}{^3_2He} + \underset{\text{(deuterium)}}{^2_1H} -> \underset{\text{(helium) }}{^4_2He}} + \underset{\text{(proton)}}{^1_1H} + 18.3 \text{MeV}\]
2. We estimate that 0.42 MeV of energy was released.
3. When two deuterium nuclei \[\ce {^2_1H}\] fuse , nucleus of helium isotope \[\ce {^3_2He}\] is formed and 3.3 MeV energy is released. This helium isotope again gets fused with one deuterium nucleus to form a helium nucleus \[\ce {^4_2He}\] and 18.3 MeV of energy is released in this process.