# Energy of fission

1. Apr 12, 2008

### Physicsissuef

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

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

2. Relevant equations

$$\Delta E=\Delta m c^2$$

3. The attempt at a solution

The nuclear reaction

$$\stackrel{2}{1}H + \stackrel{3}{1}H \rightarrow \stackrel{4}{2}He + \stackrel{1}{0}n + energy$$

How will I find the mass of triton( the nucleus of tritium) ?

2. Apr 12, 2008

### Andrew Mason

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. Apr 13, 2008

### Physicsissuef

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

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

And in my text book results it is 17,8 MeV. Is their fault?

4. May 4, 2008

### malawi_glenn

The answer should be 17.6MeV, this is well known reaction to me.

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