What is the energy needed for Deuterium-Tritium fusion to occur?

In summary, the total energy, kinetic energy, and momentum required for Deuterium-Tritium fusion to occur when deuterium is accelerated and tritium is the target (v=0) is 7.11*10^-14 units. This is also equal to the height of the Coulomb barrier, which is the energy needed for the two nuclei to get close enough for the reaction to start. The kinetic energy of the moving deutron needs to be equal to the height of the Coulomb barrier for the reaction to occur. Using m=2.0141u=2.0141*1.660*10^-27 and the equation Ekin=m*v^2/2, the velocity of the deutron
  • #1
PhyS194

Homework Statement


How much total energy, kinetic energy and momentum is needed for Deuterium-Tritium fusion to happen when deuterium is accelerated and tritium is the target(v=0)?
Which exothermic reactions are caused by the fusion?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've calculated the height of the coulomb barrier to 7.11*10-14
Since the height of the coulomb barrier is the energy needed for the two nucleiis to get close enough to each other for the reaction to start, the kinecting energy of the moving deutron should be as large as the height of the coulomb barrier? In that case, the kinetic energy needed is also 7.11*10-14
Using m=2.0141u = 2.0141*1.660*10-27
Using Ekin=m*v2/2, v =6.5199*106 m/s
Then the momentum can be calculated as p=m*v = 2.18*10-20 N s
Does this appear to be correct? What about the total energy?

I tried to use Etot=sqrt((p*c^2)^2+(m*c^2)^2) but getting something in the range of 10-3, is this correct then maybe?

best regards
 
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  • #2
Can you convert the whole kinetic energy to potential energy? What would that imply for the motion of the particles at the point of closest approach, and does that look right?

You should work with units everywhere, that helps spotting errors.
 

1. What is fusion and why is energy needed for it?

Fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases large amounts of energy and is the same process that powers the sun and other stars. Energy is needed for fusion because it requires a great amount of heat and pressure to overcome the repulsive forces between positively charged nuclei and bring them close enough together for the strong nuclear force to bind them together.

2. How much energy is needed for fusion to occur?

The amount of energy needed for fusion to occur depends on the specific elements involved and the conditions under which fusion is taking place. In general, fusion reactions require temperatures of millions of degrees Celsius and pressures millions of times greater than Earth's atmosphere. The energy needed is typically measured in units of electron volts (eV) or joules (J), and can range from a few million eV for light elements to hundreds of millions of eV for heavier elements.

3. What are the potential sources of energy for fusion?

The most common source of energy for fusion reactions is deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen found in seawater. Another potential source is tritium, a heavier isotope of hydrogen that can be produced from lithium. Other elements, such as helium-3, may also be used as fuel for fusion reactions. In addition, the energy needed for fusion can also be provided by external sources such as lasers or particle accelerators.

4. What are the challenges involved in harnessing fusion energy?

One of the main challenges in harnessing fusion energy is the extreme conditions needed for fusion to occur. This requires advanced technologies to contain and control the high temperatures and pressures, as well as to handle the intense radiation produced during the fusion process. Another challenge is the cost of building and maintaining fusion reactors, as well as developing the necessary infrastructure to support a fusion-based energy system.

5. How close are we to achieving practical fusion energy?

Scientists and engineers have been working on fusion energy for decades, and while significant progress has been made, there are still many challenges to overcome before practical fusion energy can be achieved. Currently, the most advanced fusion reactors are able to produce more energy than they consume, but they are still not able to sustain a fusion reaction for long periods of time. However, with ongoing research and development, it is possible that practical fusion energy could be achieved in the near future.

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