Question

Two deuterons can fuse to form different products. Although not the most probable outcome, one possibility is helium-4 plus a gamma particle. Calculate the net energy released in this process.

Short answer

Energy$Q=23.8464MeV$

Step-by-step solution

Equation for energy

Energy =$Q=\Delta m{c}^2$

• $\Delta m$- mass defect
• $\text{c}$- speed of light

Where the mass defect$\Delta m$ is given as:$\Delta m=m_{H_1^2}+m_{H_1^2}-m_{H{e}_2^4}$

Net energy released

Calculating the Q for the reaction as:

$\begin{array}{rcl}Q& =& (2.0141+2.0141-4.00260)u{c}^2\\ & =& 0.0256\times 931.5MeV\\ & =& 23.8464MeV\\ & & \end{array}$

Therefore, The net energy released in the process is $\text{23.8464}\text{MeV}$