Chapter 20, Problem 111RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Tritium and deuterium atoms do not undergo spontaneous fusion reaction to produce helium atom is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear binding energy is defined as the huge amount of energy which is required to break a radioactive nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons (together they are called nucleons).

A nuclear reaction may take place either by breaking a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller atomic nuclei or by combining lighter nuclei to form a bigger atomic nucleus. The former reaction is called a nuclear fission reaction and the latter reaction is called a nuclear fusion reaction. The amount of energy released in fusion reactions is way more than that in fission reactions.

Hydrogen exists in three forms namely, protium $\left({}_1^2\text{H}\right)$, deuterium (${}_1^2\text{H}$) and tritium (${}_1^3\text{H}$). Tritium is a radioactive isotope and is found in rare amounts.