What Is the RMS Speed of Deuterons in a Fusion Reactor?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the root mean square (RMS) speed of deuterons in a fusion reactor, which requires understanding the mass of a deuteron and the relevant equations. The deuteron, consisting of one proton and one neutron, has a mass that can be approximated by adding the masses of these particles. Participants clarify that the mass used in the RMS speed formula should be the total mass of the deuteron, which is approximately 2.014 u, rather than the 1.008 u initially considered. The RMS speed is crucial for determining the temperature of the plasma, which is set at about 300 million K. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate mass values in these calculations.
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Homework Statement



A deuteron is the nucleus of a hydrogen isotope and consists of one proton and one neutron. The
plasma of deuterons in a nuclear fusion reactor must be heated to about 300 million K.
(a) What is the RMS speed of the deuterons? Is this a significant fraction of the speed of light c =
3 x 10^8 m/s?
(b) What would the temperature of the plasma be if the deuterons had an RMS speed equal to
0.10 c?

R=8.314; T=300E6K

Homework Equations



v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}

The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to solve this, but I don't get the first part of the question. how do you find M? I tried M=1.008, but that doesn't make sense.
 
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If a deuteron has one proton and one neutron, does it make sense that M = 1.008?

After all, you can look these things up on the internet.
 
oh, thanks. I just add Mp + Mn to get M...right?
 
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