Calculating Energy of Fission in Deuterium-Tritium Reaction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy released during the fission of deuterium and tritium nuclei, resulting in helium and a neutron. Participants are examining the mass values of the involved nuclei and how they relate to the energy output using the mass-energy equivalence principle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the mass-energy equivalence formula to determine the energy released in the reaction. Questions arise regarding the correct mass of tritium and the significance of electron binding energy in the mass calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and compared their results with textbook values, noting discrepancies. There is an ongoing exploration of mass values and their impact on the calculated energy output, with no explicit consensus reached on the correct mass to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing specific mass values for deuterium, tritium, and helium, as well as the potential impact of using different mass tables on the final energy calculation. There is mention of a known textbook result that differs from the calculations presented.

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Homework Statement



Find the energy which comes out with fission of the nucleus of deuterium and tritium, so we receive like product the nucleus of helium.

mass of tritium[tex]m(\stackrel{3}{1}H)=3,016049u[/tex]
mass of the nucleus of deuterium [tex]m(\stackrel{2}{1}H)=2,013553u[/tex]
mass of the nucleus of helium [tex]m(\stackrel{4}{2}He)=4,002603u[/tex]


Homework Equations



[tex]\Delta E=\Delta m c^2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



The nuclear reaction

[tex]\stackrel{2}{1}H + \stackrel{3}{1}H \rightarrow \stackrel{4}{2}He + \stackrel{1}{0}n + energy[/tex]

How will I find the mass of triton( the nucleus of tritium) ?
 
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Physicsissuef said:
How will I find the mass of triton( the nucleus of tritium) ?
Take the mass of the atom and subtract the mass of the electron. The binding energy of the electron is not enough to make a significant difference in the mass of the atom.

AM
 
(3,016049u+2,013553u)-(4,002603u+1,008665u)=0,018334

0,018334*931,494 MeV=17,078011 MeV

And in my textbook results it is 17,8 MeV. Is their fault?
 
The answer should be 17.6MeV, this is well known reaction to me.

And you will obtain that answer if you use [tex]m(\stackrel{2}{1}H)=2,014101783u[/tex]

Edit, link:
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/amdc/masstables/Ame2003/mass.mas03
 
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