How much energy (in kJ/mol) is released in the fusion reaction of 1H and 2H atoms?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the fusion reaction: \(^1H + ^2H \rightarrow ^3He + \text{energy}\).
2. Determine the mass of the reactants and products using atomic masses: \(^1H\), \(^2H\), and \(^3He\).
3. Calculate the mass defect by subtracting the total mass of the products from the total mass of the reactants.
4. Use Einstein's equation, \(E=mc^2\), to convert the mass defect into energy, where \(c\) is the speed of light.
5. Convert the energy from joules to kilojoules per mole by using Avogadro's number to account for the number of atoms in a mole.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This reaction is the source of energy for stars, including the sun, and occurs under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. In the case of hydrogen isotopes, deuterium (2H) and protium (1H), their fusion produces helium and releases significant energy.

Energy Release in Reactions

In nuclear reactions, the energy released is often measured in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol). This energy comes from the mass defect, where the mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. According to Einstein's equation E=mc², this mass difference is converted into energy, which is released during the fusion process.

Binding Energy

Binding energy is the energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons. It is a measure of the stability of a nucleus; higher binding energy indicates a more stable nucleus. In fusion reactions, the binding energy of the resulting nucleus is greater than that of the original nuclei, leading to the release of energy as the system moves to a lower energy state.