Nuclear fusion and binding energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanisms of energy release during nuclear fusion and fission, particularly in relation to binding energy. Participants explore the relationship between binding energy per nucleon and the energy dynamics involved in these nuclear processes.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how fusion releases energy despite an increase in binding energy per nucleon when forming a heavier nucleus.
  • Another participant suggests that to understand energy release in fusion, one should compare the masses of the parent nuclei to the mass of the daughter nucleus, indicating that the mass difference correlates to energy release.
  • A third participant asserts that binding energy per nucleon does not determine fusion energies, implying that other factors may be at play.
  • A fourth participant clarifies that binding energy refers to the energy required to break apart the nucleus, which may contribute to understanding the energy dynamics in fusion and fission.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are differing interpretations of how binding energy relates to energy release in fusion and fission processes.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of binding energy and its role in energy dynamics during nuclear reactions. The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which these energy relationships hold.

joker_900
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I wonder if someone could help me out. I'm a bit confused about how fusion (and fission for that matter) releases energy.

Looking at a graph of binding energy per nucleon against mass number, fusion gives out energy up to iron (correct?). The thing that confuses me is that as two nuclei are fused to make a heavier nuclei, the binding energy per nucleon INCREASES.

So if the binding energy of the product is greater than the binding energy of the two original nuclei, would that not require energy rather than release energy? So for example if there is more binding energy in a helium nucleus than in a dueterium nucleus and a tritum nucleus, energy energy would need to be input to increase that binding energy.

So I'm not sure where I've gone wrong. It is probably very obvious to you, so please help!
 
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In the case of fusion, sum the masses of the parent nuclei and compare to the mass of the daughter nucleus. The difference is the energy release. For fission, essentially the same, except that there is one parent and several daughters, including neutrons.
 
BE per nucleon is not what determines fusion energies.
It is as mm says.
 
Binding energy is what you have to put IN to break the bond apart.
 

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