Two deuterons are fused to form one alpha particle. If binding energy per nucleon of deuterium is 1.05 MeV and that of alpha particle is 7 MeV, what is the energy released in the formation of one alpha particle from the fusing of two deuterons?

Step-by-step solution

The fusion reaction is given by: 2 ²₁ H ⁴₂ He Total binding energy of two deuterons = 2 (2 1.05) = 4.2 MeV Total binding energy of one alpha particle = 4 7 = 28 MeV Energy released = Total binding energy of products - Total binding energy of reactants Energy released = 28 - 4.2 = 23.8 MeV Answer: 23.8 MeV