Fusing Deuterium: The Mystery of Ejected Protons/Neutrons

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    Deuterium Mystery
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the fusion of deuterium nuclei and the resulting ejection of protons or neutrons. Participants explore the mechanisms and probabilities involved in these fusion reactions, including the implications of conservation laws and the nature of the particles involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that fusing two deuterium nuclei should yield helium-4 but questions why protons or neutrons are ejected instead.
  • Another participant clarifies that the fusion of deuterium can lead to either helium-3 and a neutron or tritium and a proton, with almost equal probabilities, emphasizing the role of conservation laws and quantum mechanics.
  • A subsequent reply questions whether the initial response pertains to the fusion of deuterium atoms (which include electrons) or deuteron nuclei (which do not), seeking clarification on the expected differences between these two fusion events.
  • Another participant raises a question about the potential transient existence of helium-4 during the fusion process, asking if it could theoretically be stabilized at this intermediate stage despite being unstable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the fusion process and the resulting products, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of deuterium and deuteron in the context of fusion, as well as the implications of intermediate states in the fusion process.

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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