The process of nuclear fusion can be explained using the curve of binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number.
Key Concepts
When two small nuclei fuse to make a bigger one, the binding energy per nucleon is increased. This means that energy is released and the nucleus is more stable than the original parts.
Use quizzes to practise application of theory.
START QUIZ!
The graph shows the BE/nucleon vs nucleon number
According to this graph the energy released when two deuterium nuclei fuse to form helium-4 would be
BE of Deuterium = 2 x 1MeV there are two of them so BE = 4 MeV
BE He-4 = 4 x 7MeV
The energy equivalent of 1 u of mass is:
Worth remembering even though its in the data book.
9 x 1016 is 1kg converted to energy
2 nuclei fuse with the release of energy.
Which of the following nuclides could they be?
All but 16O would go over the peak
Is it possible to fuse nuclei to get larger elements than Iron?
It must happen somewhere or large nuclei wouldn't exist
Nuclei X and nuclei Y fuse to form Z plus a proton.
The energy released equals:
change of mass x 931.5
The following reaction takes place in some stars
The unknown particle is
2 protons and 2 neutrons
How much of Fusion have you understood?
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