How to compute how much energy is released in nuclear fusion?

AI Thread Summary
To compute the energy released in nuclear fusion, the initial step involves calculating the mass loss using the equation Δm = m(1^2H) + m(1^3H) - m(2^4He) - m(0^1n), resulting in a mass loss of 0.0188828u. This mass loss translates to a reaction energy of approximately 2.81 x 10^-12 J per fusion reaction. However, the total energy released per kilogram is significantly higher, estimated at about 3.4 x 10^14 J. The discrepancy arises from the need to consider the number of reactions occurring in a given mass of fuel. Understanding the energy per reaction versus the total energy output per kilogram is crucial for accurate calculations in nuclear fusion energy.
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Homework Statement
In a fusion power plant, it is planned to use deuterium and tritium, so that one gets helium and neutrons. How much one gets energy if we have $1\textrm{ kg}$ fuel?
Relevant Equations
$\Delta m=m(_1^2\textrm{H})+m(_1^3\textrm{H})-m(_2^4\textrm{He})-m(_0^1\textrm{n})$
I thought the first step is to compute the loss of mass. ##\Delta m=m(_1^2\textrm{H})+m(_1^3\textrm{H})-m(_2^4\textrm{He})-m(_0^1\textrm{n})=2.0141018u+3.0160493u- 4.0026033u-1.0086650u=0.0188828u##. The corresponding reaction energy is ##0.0188828 \cdot 931,5MeV=17.54MeV\approx 2.81\cdot 10^{-12}J##. But the answer is about ##3.4\cdot 10^{14}\textrm{ J}##. What is my mistake?
 
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If the energy per reaction is 2.81e-12 J, what is the energy per kg?
 

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