Physics

Problem

The fusion reaction

^2\text{H} + {^3\text{H}} \rightarrow {^4\text{He}} + n

has the following atomic masses:

^2\text{H}=2.0141\,\text{u}

^3\text{H}=3.0160\,\text{u}

^4\text{He}=4.0026\,\text{u}

n=1.0087\,\text{u}

. Using

1\,\text{u}=931\,\text{MeV}/c^{2}

, which statement is most accurate? a)

17.6\,\text{MeV}

of energy is released; the reaction is exothermic fusion. b)

1.8\,\text{MeV}

of energy is released; the reaction is exothermic fusion. c)

17.6\,\text{MeV}

of energy is absorbed; the reaction is endothermic fusion. d)

8.8\,\text{MeV}

of energy is released; the reaction is exothermic fusion.