Physics

Problem

Two deuterium nuclei (

\,_1^2\text{H}

) fuse to form one helium-4 nucleus (

\,_2^4\text{He}

) and a

\gamma

-ray. The average binding energy per nucleon is

1.1\,\text{MeV}

for deuterium and

7.1\,\text{MeV}

for helium-4. Neglecting all other effects, calculate the energy released in a single fusion event. a)

14.2\,\text{MeV}

12.0\,\text{MeV}

24.0\,\text{MeV}

4.9\,\text{MeV}