Question

Write a nuclear equation to represent the fusion of two deuterium atoms, H-2, to form He-3 and one neutron.

Short answer

The balanced nuclear fusion equation is \(^2_1H + ^2_1H \rightarrow ^3_2He + ^1_0n\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Reactants

Begin by writing down the reactants in the fusion reaction. For fusion of two deuterium (H-2) atoms, the reactants are two deuterium nuclei. Deuterium, also known as hydrogen-2, is represented as \(^2_1H\).

Write the Fusion Process

Combine the two deuterium nuclei to represent the fusion process. Since both nuclei are identical, you simply write their symbols side by side: \(^2_1H + ^2_1H\).

Determine the Products

Fusion of two deuterium nuclei yields a helium-3 nucleus and a neutron. Helium-3 is represented as \(^3_2He\) and the neutron is represented as \(^1_0n\).

Write and Balance the Nuclear Equation

Now, write down the nuclear reaction by placing the reactants on the left side of the equation and the products on the right side. To balance the equation, make sure that both the total number of protons (atomic number) and the total number of nucleons (mass number) are the same on both sides of the equation.\[ ^2_1H + ^2_1H \rightarrow ^3_2He + ^1_0n \]

Key concepts

Deuterium Fusion

Deuterium fusion, also known as 'D-D fusion', is a nuclear process where two deuterium nuclei, which are isotopes of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron, combine to form new substances. This reaction is fundamental in stars, including our Sun, as it contributes to their ability to release vast amounts of energy.

In this context, understanding deuterium fusion is crucial because it represents a potential source of clean and virtually limitless energy on Earth. The process releases a significant amount of energy due to the mass defect and the conversion of mass into energy, which is described by Einstein's equation, E=mc^2.

Balancing Nuclear Reactions

Balancing nuclear reactions is akin to balancing chemical equations, but with the added complexity of accounting for both atomic and mass numbers.

• Atomic Number: The sum of protons in the reactants must equal the sum of protons in the products, ensuring the charge is conserved.
• Mass Number: The sum of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in the reactants must equal the sum in the products, maintaining the principle of mass conservation.

When balancing the deuterium fusion reaction, we align the total atomic and mass numbers from both sides of the equation, ensuring that energy and particles are conserved according to the laws of physics.

Helium-3 Production

Helium-3 production is an essential outcome of deuterium fusion. Helium-3 ( 3_2)He) is a non-radioactive isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron, making it a rare and valuable substance both for scientific research and potential future energy production through nuclear fusion. The production of helium-3 in fusion processes is carefully examined, as it is a critical step in the reaction chain that leads to the release of energy. Additionally, the helium-3 produced in these fusion reactions could potentially be used in future clean energy technology, given its potential as a fuel in more advanced fusion reactions.

The study of helium-3 production in nuclear fusion reactions is not only vital for understanding stellar processes but also for the development of fusion power reactors, which might one day provide humanity with a sustainable and environmentally-friendly source of power.