Question

In the fusion reaction \[^{2}_{1}H + ^{2}_{1}H \rightarrow ^{3}_{2}He + n\] which products are formed and how much energy is released?

Options

• Helium-3 + neutron, with 26.7 MeV of energy released

• Tritium + proton, with 4.03 MeV of energy released

• Helium-3 + neutron, with 3.27 MeV of energy released

• Helium-4 + neutron, with 0.42 MeV of energy released

Answer 1

When two deuterium nuclei (\[^{2}_{1}H\]) fuse, one possible outcome is \[^{3}_{2}He\] (helium-3) plus a neutron, releasing 3.27 MeV. The alternative deuterium-deuterium reaction produces tritium and a proton with 4.03 MeV.