Fusing Deuterium: The Mystery of Ejected Protons/Neutrons

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    Deuterium Mystery
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the fusion of deuterium nuclei (D + D) and the resultant products, specifically the formation of 3He and neutrons or tritium and protons, rather than the expected 4He. This process adheres to conservation laws including energy, momentum, and spin, and is governed by quantum mechanics (QM). Participants clarify the distinction between the fusion of deuterium atoms, which include electrons, and deuteron nuclei, which do not. Additionally, the possibility of 4He existing temporarily as an unstable entity during fusion is explored, raising questions about halting the fusion process at this intermediate stage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fusion principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics (QM)
  • Knowledge of conservation laws in physics (energy, momentum, spin)
  • Basic concepts of deuterium and deuteron structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of nuclear fusion in deuterium
  • Study the conservation laws relevant to nuclear reactions
  • Explore the properties and stability of helium-4 (4He)
  • Investigate the differences between atomic and nuclear fusion processes
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, nuclear engineers, and students interested in nuclear fusion, quantum mechanics, and the behavior of deuterium in fusion reactions.

chemart
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In fusor you react one deuterium with another one. So you should get 4He2. Why does it ejects one proton or neutron from nucleus?
 
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D + D -> 3He + n or T + p with almost equal probability, rather than 4He. It involves various conservation laws (energy, momentum, spin, . . .) and QM.
 
Astronuc said:
D + D -> 3He + n or T + p with almost equal probability, rather than 4He. It involves various conservation laws (energy, momentum, spin, . . .) and QM.
I have a question. The OP asked about fusion of two "deuterium" (which is nucleons plus electrons), but does not your response give results of fusion of two "deuterons" (nucleons without electrons) ? Next, what differences are expected from the two different fusion events (1) fusion of two deuterium atoms and (2) fusion of two deuteron nuclei. Thanks for any clarification.
 
Astronuc said:
D + D -> 3He + n or T + p with almost equal probability, rather than 4He. It involves various conservation laws (energy, momentum, spin, . . .) and QM.
I have another question. As shown in the attached figures, does not the 4He appear for a short period of time as an unstable entity ? If so, is it not possible (at least in theory), to stop the process at this intermediate stage, since 4He as the "alpha" is very stable ?
 

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