The reaction 2H + 2H --> n + 3He (where n is a neutron) is one of the reactions useful for producing energy through nuclear fusion. (a) Assume the deuterium nuclei (2H) are at rest and use the atomic mass units of the masses in Appendix 8 to calculate the mass-energy imbalance in this reaction. (Note: You can use atomic masses for this calculation, because the electron masses cancel out.) This amount of energy is given up when this nuclear reaction occurs. (b) What percentage of the initial rest energy is given up?

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The reaction 2H + 2H --> n + 3He (where n is a neutron) is one of the reactions useful for producing energy through nuclear fusion. (a) Assume the deuterium nuclei (2H) are at rest and use the atomic mass units of the masses in Appendix 8 to calculate the mass-energy imbalance in this reaction. (Note: You can use atomic masses for this calculation, because the electron masses cancel out.) This amount of energy is given up when this nuclear reaction occurs. (b) What percentage of the initial rest energy is given up?

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