The binding energy per nucleon of deuteron ( H ) 1 2 and helium nucleus ( H e ) 2 4 is 1.1 MeV and 7 MeV respectively. If two deuteron nuclei react to form a single helium nucleus, then the energy released is

Step-by-step solution

As given 1 H 2 + 1 H 2 → 2 H e 4 + e n e r g y The binding energy per nucleon of a deuteron ( 1 H 2 ) = 1.1 M e V ∴ Total binding energy of one deuteron nucleus = 2 × 1.1 = 2.2 M e V ∴ The binding energy per nucleon of Helium ( 2 H e 4 ) =7 MeV ∴ Total binding energy = 4 × 7 = 28 M e V Hence, energy released in the above process = 28 - 2 × 2.2 = 28 – 4.4 = 23.6 M e V