Nuclear engineering- fusion Nuclear fusion is the process in which nuclei combin

Question

Nuclear engineering- fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process in which nuclei combine to give heavier elements. In one fusion reaction, two atoms of deuterium (hydrogen-2) fuse together to give one atom of a helium isotope (helium-3) together with one other particle. balanced equation for this fusion process:^2_1H +^2_1H =^3_2He +^1_0n Calculate the energy release in this equation. Values you need are in the table. Another possible fusion process is represented by:^2_1H +^1_0n =^3_1H (the formation of hydrogen-3, tritium, by a nucleus of deuterium absorbing a neutron). This equation is certainly balanced. But can it occur in practice? Calculate the change in mass in this reaction. Is the reaction possible or not?

Explanation / Answer

The balanced equation for the fusion process is given by

1H2 +1H2 gives 2He3 and 0n1

Mass of 1H2 =2.014102

Mass of 2He3 = 3.016030

Mass of 0n1 = 1.008665

Mass before fusion = 2 xMass of 1H2 = 2 x2.014102 =4.028204

Mass after fusion = Mass of 2He3 +Mass of 0n1

= 1.008665u + 3.016030u = 4.024695u

Difference in masses =4.024695 - 4.028204 = -0.00351

So, there is a decrease in mass and it is converted into energy using the equation

E = mc2 == -0.00351 x 931 Mev =3.266 Mev (or) 3.27 MeV (Negative sign is omitted because it denotes a decrease in mass)

Another reaction is

1H2 +0n1 gives 1H3

Change in mass (delta m) = (Mass of 1He3) - (Mass of 1H2)+Mass of (0n1)

= (3.016050) - (2.014102 +1.008665)

= 3.016050 - 3.022767

= 0.0067u

Release of energy =0.0067 x 931 MeV = 6.2535 MeV

Hence this reaction takes plae with a release of energy of 6.26 MeV

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