One of the fusion reactions that occurs in the sun is: $\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}$ He + $\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}$ He ? $\begin{array} { l } 4 \\2\end{array}$ He + $\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}$ H + $\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}$ H The following atomic masses are known: $\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}$ H: 1.007825 u $\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}$ He: 3.016029 u $\begin{array} { l } 4 \\2\end{array}$ He: 4.002603 u
What is the reaction energy released in this fusion reaction? (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²)

Question

One of the fusion reactions that occurs in the sun is:

\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}

He +

\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}

He ?

\begin{array} { l } 4 \\2\end{array}

He +

\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}

H +

\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}

H The following atomic masses are known:

\begin{array} { l } 1 \\1\end{array}

H: 1.007825 u

\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}

He: 3.016029 u

\begin{array} { l } 4 \\2\end{array}

He: 4.002603 u
What is the reaction energy released in this fusion reaction? (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass defect is calculated as the difference between the initial and final masses: (2 * 3.016029 u) - (4.002603 u + 2 * 1.007825 u) = 0.013494 u. The energy released is 0.013494 u * 931.5 MeV/u = 12.57 MeV, which rounds to 13 MeV.

One of the Fusion Reactions That Occurs in the Sun 32\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}32​

One of the Fusion Reactions That Occurs in the Sun $\begin{array} { l } 3 \\2\end{array}$