How Does the 3rd Neutron Form in a Nuclear Fusion Reaction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the formation of a third neutron during the nuclear fusion of deuterium and tritium to form helium. Participants explore the nuclear reactions involved, the composition of the isotopes, and the nucleon balance in the fusion process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that deuterium consists of 1 proton and 1 neutron, while tritium consists of 2 protons and 1 neutron, leading to confusion about the formation of a third neutron during fusion.
  • Another participant corrects the composition of tritium, stating it has 1 proton and 2 neutrons.
  • Several participants discuss the fusion reaction equations, with one noting that deuterium and helium-3 undergo an aneutronic fusion reaction, producing helium-4 and a proton.
  • There is a claim that during the fusion of deuterium and tritium, a neutron is produced, but another participant argues that a neutron is not "gained" in the process.
  • Confusion arises regarding the correct nucleon balance equations, with different participants presenting varying equations for the fusion process.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding of a previous post regarding the isotopes involved in the fusion reaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nucleon balance and the formation of the third neutron, leading to an unresolved discussion with multiple competing interpretations of the fusion process.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the nucleon balance equations presented, and participants express confusion about the correct compositions of the isotopes involved in the fusion reactions.

vincentm
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Okay deuterium consists of 1 proton and 1 neutron and tritium consists of 2 protons and 1 neutron, now if one atom of each, smash together that forms an atom of Helium which consists of 2 proton and 2 neutrons, a 3rd neutron is created and released, how does the 3rd neutron come about?
 
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Tritium has 1 proton and 2 neutrons. (Both deuterium and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen.)
 
Supplementing what Doc Al mentioned, He3 consists of 2 protons and 1 neutron, and undergoes an aneutronic (i.e. no neutrons) fusion reaction with D.

d + He3 -> He4 + p

or

(1p, 1n) + (2p, 1n) -> (2p, 2n) + p

Nucleon balance equations, similar to elements (moles) balancing in a chemical equation.
 
Astronuc said:
Supplementing what Doc Al mentioned, He3 consists of 2 protons and 1 neutron, and undergoes an aneutronic (i.e. no neutrons) fusion reaction with D.
d + He3 -> He4 + p
or
(1p, 1n) + (2p, 1n) -> (2p, 2n) + p
Nucleon balance equations, similar to elements (moles) balancing in a chemical equation.
Thank you, also what i notice is that once the helium atom has formed i lose a proton, i guess that is where i gain a neutron? :confused:
 
vincentm said:
Thank you, also what i notice is that once the helium atom has formed i lose a proton, i guess that is where i gain a neutron?
When deuterium and tritium fuse, it goes like this:

(1p, 1n) + (1p, 2n) -> (2p, 2n) + n

So you don't "gain" a neutron.
 
Doc Al said:
When deuterium and tritium fuse, it goes like this:
(1p, 1n) + (1p, 2n) -> (2p, 2n) + n
So you don't "gain" a neutron.
I'm a bit confused now, Astronuc does:

(1p, 1n) + (1p, 2n) -> (2p, 2n) + p

:blushing:
 
Doc Al did (1p, 1n) + (1p, 2n) -> (2p, 2n) + n

I did (1p, 1n) + (2p, 1n) -> (2p, 2n) + p
 
You misread Astronuc. He had (2p,1n) (or He3) as the second term going in, not (1p,2n) (or H3 or Tritium nucleus).
 
mathman said:
You misread Astronuc. He had (2p,1n) (or He3) as the second term going in, not (1p,2n) (or H3 or Tritium nucleus).
I did, sorry about that astro, i just suck at math right now.
 

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