Question

\({ }_{1} \mathrm{H}^{1}+{ }_{1} \mathrm{H}^{3} \longrightarrow{ }_{2} \mathrm{He}^{4}\) this represent (a) \(\beta\) decay (b) fusion (c) fission (d) none of these

Short answer

The reaction represents fusion (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Reaction

The reaction is described as \(_{1} \mathrm{H}^{1} +_{1} \mathrm{H}^{3} \longrightarrow_{2} \mathrm{He}^{4}\). This implies two isotopes of hydrogen (protium and tritium) combine to form helium.

Identify the Reaction Type

Fusion reactions involve two light nuclei combining to form a heavier nucleus, which matches what is occurring in this reaction.

Determine Characteristics of Fusion

Fusion typically releases energy as the combination of light nuclei (hydrogen isotopes) into a heavier nucleus (helium) occurs, translating a small portion of the mass into energy. This is the principle behind hydrogen bombs and the sun's energy.

Finalize the Answer

The reaction is a typical example of nuclear fusion, where lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, accompanied by energy release. Thus, the correct answer is fusion.

Key concepts

Hydrogen Isotopes

Hydrogen isotopes are forms of hydrogen with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The most common isotopes are protium (\(^{1}_{1}H \)), deuterium (\(^{2}_{1}H \)), and tritium (\(^{3}_{1}H \)).

- **Protium** has one proton and no neutrons. It's the most abundant form of hydrogen in the universe.
- **Deuterium** contains one proton and one neutron. It's stable and used in nuclear reactors as a moderator.
- **Tritium** has one proton and two neutrons. It is radioactive and is often used in nuclear fusion reactions.

These isotopes play a critical role in nuclear fusion reactions, especially tritium, which combines with deuterium or protium to form helium. In this particular fusion reaction of hydrogen isotopes, tritium (\(^{3}_{1}H \)) combines with protium (\(^{1}_{1}H \)), resulting in helium (\(^{4}_{2}He \)).

Understanding the differences and applications of hydrogen isotopes is essential for comprehending nuclear reactions, particularly those involving energy generation.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve the alteration of an atom's nucleus, leading to a change in its identity or energy state. Unlike chemical reactions, nuclear reactions result in the transformation of elements and can release or absorb tremendous amounts of energy.

In the context of nuclear fusion, light nuclei, like hydrogen isotopes, combine to form a heavier nucleus, such as helium. This process is called fusion and is characterized by:

• The combination of small nuclei to form a larger one.
• Requiring extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome electrostatic forces between positively charged nuclei.

Fusion reactions power the sun, where hydrogen nuclei merge to form helium, releasing vast amounts of solar energy. This reaction occurs when two nuclei close enough to merge, typically under extreme conditions, which makes it a challenging but extremely attractive energy source on Earth.

Harnessing nuclear reactions like fusion offers the potential for nearly limitless, clean energy, as the by-products are usually less hazardous compared to other nuclear processes.

Energy Release

Energy release in nuclear fusion arises from the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation, \(E=mc^2 \). When hydrogen isotopes merge to form helium, the resultant nucleus has a slightly lower mass than the sum of its components. This missing mass is converted into energy.

Nuclear fusion is known for releasing enormous amounts of energy:

• It is the process that powers the stars, including our sun.
• Produces less nuclear waste compared to fission.
• Has a higher energy yield from fuel compared to chemical reactions.

The energy released from fusion reactions can be harnessed for electricity generation. If controlled, fusion energy could provide a nearly limitless source of energy due to abundant fuel supplies and minimal environmental impact. Research continues into achieving sustainable nuclear fusion on Earth, focusing on technologies like tokamaks and inertial confinement to replicate the conditions found in stars.

Helium Formation

Helium formation is a crucial step in the nuclear fusion process where light nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, combine to generate helium. The reaction \(^{1}_{1}H + ^{3}_{1}H ightarrow ^{4}_{2}He \) illustrates this process in nuclear fusion.

In these reactions:

• Hydrogen isotopes collide under high temperatures and pressures.
• They undergo a process known as atomic fusion.
• As a result, a helium atom and additional energy are released.

The formation of helium in this manner is significant for several reasons:

• Helium itself is a stable element with two protons and two neutrons.
• It's an inert gas, making it valuable for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Fusion reactions yielding helium produce more energy than initiated.

This process mirrors what occurs naturally in stars, providing insights into stellar processes and offering potential for future energy solutions through controlled nuclear fusion on Earth.