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

Click For 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.
Mestudyingphysics
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
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?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If the energy per reaction is 2.81e-12 J, what is the energy per kg?
 
If have close pipe system with water inside pressurized at P1= 200 000Pa absolute, density 1000kg/m3, wider pipe diameter=2cm, contraction pipe diameter=1.49cm, that is contraction area ratio A1/A2=1.8 a) If water is stationary(pump OFF) and if I drill a hole anywhere at pipe, water will leak out, because pressure(200kPa) inside is higher than atmospheric pressure (101 325Pa). b)If I turn on pump and water start flowing with with v1=10m/s in A1 wider section, from Bernoulli equation I...

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K