The binding energy of deuteron (21H) is 1.15 MeV per nucleon and an alpha particle (42He) has a binding energy of 7.1 MeV per nucleon. Then in the reaction
21H+21H→42He+Q
the energy Q released is
23. MeV
Binding energy of 21H=1.15× number of nucelons = 1.15 × 2 = 2.3 MeV. Total binding energy of reactants = 2.3 + 2.3 = 4.6 MeV. Binding energy of 42He=7.1× number of nucleons = 7.1 × 4 = 28.4 MeV. Therefore, Q = 28.4 - 4.6 = 23.8 MeV.
Hence the correct choice is (c)