Chapter 30, Problem 82A

To determine

To Explain: Whether the given reaction is energetically possible.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

For a reaction to take place, the binding energy of the product must be greater the binding energy of the reactants.

  $\text{H}+\text{H}\to \text{H}\text{e}$

Binding energy of $\text{H}$ is $-2.22452 MeV$ .

Binding energy of $\text{H}$ is $-0.0000136 MeV$ .

Binding energy of $\text{H}\text{e}$ is $-7.7181 MeV$ .

Total binding energy of the reactants is $-2.22452 MeV-0.0000136 MeV=-\text{2}\text{.2245336}MeV$

The magnitude of binding energy of product is greater than magnitude of binding energy of reactants.

Conclusion:

The reaction is energetically possible.