Question

The binding energy of deuteron is $2.2MeV$ and that of ${}_2^4\text{HE}$ is 28 MeV. If two deuterons are fused to form one ${}_2^4\text{HE}$ then the energy released is:

• A. $25.8MeV$
• B. $23.6MeV$
• C. $19.2MeV$
• D. $30.2MeV$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $23.6MeV$

The reaction can be written as:

${}_1{H}^2{+}_1{H}^2{\to }_{2}H{e}^4+energy$

The energy released in the reaction is a difference of binding energies of daughter and parent nuclei.

Hence, energy released = binding energy of ${}_{2}H{e}^4-2\times {\text{binding energy of}}_1{H}^2$

= $28-(2\times 2.2)=23.6MeV$

Hence the correct option is B.