Calculating energy released by fission.

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The discussion centers on calculating the energy released during the fusion of four hydrogen atoms into one helium nucleus. The initial calculation presented suggests an energy release of 7.4 MeV, derived from the difference in binding energies of hydrogen and helium. However, it is pointed out that this approach is flawed because the fusion process involves the conversion of protons to neutrons and the production of additional particles. A more accurate method would involve comparing the masses of the relevant particles rather than relying solely on binding energies. Understanding the origin of the 9 MeV binding energy for helium is also questioned, emphasizing the need for clarity in particle physics concepts.
nima rahmani
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hey guys.
i have answered my question but i am not quite sure about it.
Four hydrogen atoms fuse to produce one helium nucleus.calculate how many MeV of energy is released in this
process. You are calculating how much energy is released by the fusion of four hydrogen atoms.

what i have done: average binding energy 4 H: 0.4*4 MeV = 1.6MeV
Then: Average binding energy of He: 9 MeV.
SO the energy release would be 9 MeV - 1,6MeV = 7.4 MeV.

THANKS.
 
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In this (fictional) fusion process, no isotopes are involved, no positron, gamma or other subparticles are involved, so I would just argue conservation of mass-energy. I don't know how far along you are in particle physics, course-wise.
 
Where does the 9 MeV value for helium come from and what does it mean?

This does not work - two protons have to convert to neutrons, and this reaction also produces something else.
Instead of using binding energies, is easier to look up the masses of all relevant particles, and to compare them.
 
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