)  Calculate the energy in joules released by the fusion of a 1.75 -kg mixture of deuterium and tritium, which produces helium. There are equal numbers of deuterium and tritium nuclei in the mixture.  b)  If this process takes place continuously over a period of a year, what is the average power output in units of megawatts

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a)  Calculate the energy in joules released by the fusion of a 1.75 -kg mixture of deuterium and tritium, which produces helium. There are equal numbers of deuterium and tritium nuclei in the mixture. 

b)  If this process takes place continuously over a period of a year, what is the average power output in units of megawatts? 

Deuterium fuses with tritium by the following reaction:

\[ 
\begin{align*}
^{2}_{1}\text{H} + ^{3}_{1}\text{H} \rightarrow ^{4}_{2}\text{He} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n}
\end{align*}
\]

The atomic masses of deuterium and tritium are 2.014102 u and 3.016049 u respectively.

---

### Explanation of the Reaction:

**Reactants:**
- Deuterium (\(^{2}_{1}\text{H}\)), which has an atomic mass of 2.014102 u.
- Tritium (\(^{3}_{1}\text{H}\)), with an atomic mass of 3.016049 u.

**Products:**
- Helium (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)), which is produced as a result of fusion.
- A neutron (\(^{1}_{0}\text{n}\)) is also released.

This nuclear fusion reaction is significant in the study of energy production, particularly in the context of experimental nuclear fusion research, aimed at generating clean and sustainable energy.
Transcribed Image Text:Deuterium fuses with tritium by the following reaction: \[ \begin{align*} ^{2}_{1}\text{H} + ^{3}_{1}\text{H} \rightarrow ^{4}_{2}\text{He} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \end{align*} \] The atomic masses of deuterium and tritium are 2.014102 u and 3.016049 u respectively. --- ### Explanation of the Reaction: **Reactants:** - Deuterium (\(^{2}_{1}\text{H}\)), which has an atomic mass of 2.014102 u. - Tritium (\(^{3}_{1}\text{H}\)), with an atomic mass of 3.016049 u. **Products:** - Helium (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)), which is produced as a result of fusion. - A neutron (\(^{1}_{0}\text{n}\)) is also released. This nuclear fusion reaction is significant in the study of energy production, particularly in the context of experimental nuclear fusion research, aimed at generating clean and sustainable energy.
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