Chapter 21, Problem 21.1VP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The element that plays a key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen from the given highlighted elements is to be identified.

Concept introduction: Fusion reaction of hydrogen involves the reaction between the two hydrogen atoms to form a heavier helium atom with the release of neutron particles.

To determine: The element that plays a key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen from the given highlighted elements.

Answer to Problem 21.1VP

Solution:

The element that plays a key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen is the element highlighted with purple color.

Explanation of Solution

Fusion reaction of hydrogen involves the reaction between the two hydrogen atoms to form a heavier helium atom with the release of neutron particles.

${}_1^2\text{H}{+}_1^2\text{H}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_2^3\text{He}{+}_0^1\text{n}$

The neutron that is released is utilized by the lighter element, that is lithium as,

${}_3^6\text{Li}{+}_0^1\text{n}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_2^4\text{He}{+}_1^3\text{H}$

Thus, the element that plays key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen is lithium.

Figure 1

Lithium is highlighted as purple color in the given periodic table. Therefore, the element that plays key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen is highlighted as purple color.

Conclusion:

The element that plays key role in the controlled fusion of hydrogen is lithium