Determine the Q -value for the fusion reaction: ²₁ H + ²₁ H ³₂ He + n Atomic masses are given as m(²₁ H ) = 2.014102 u , m(³₁ H ) = 3.016049 u , m(³₂ He ) = 3.016029 u , and m(⁴₂ He ) = 4.002603 u .

Step-by-step solution

The Q -value of a nuclear reaction is determined by the mass defect m between the reactants and the products. The given fusion reaction is: ²₁ H + ²₁ H ³₂ He + n Calculate the total mass of the reactants: Mass of reactants = 2 m(²₁ H ) = 2 2.014102 u = 4.028204 u Calculate the total mass of the products using the standard mass of a neutron ( m_n 1.008665 u ): Mass of products = m(³₂ He ) + m_n = 3.016029 u + 1.008665 u = 4.024694 u Now, find the mass defect m : m = Mass of reactants - Mass of products m = 4.028204