Question

The binding energy per nucleon for deuteron and helium are 1.1 MeV and 7.0 MeV respectively. The two deutrons fuse to form a helium nucleus. The energy released in this fusion reaction is

(1) 23.6 MeV 

(2) 32.6 MeV

(3) 9.2 MeV 

(4) 26.9 MeV

Answer 1

Correct option : (1) 23.6 MeV

Explanation: 

Binding energy per nucleon for deutron = 1.1 MeV 

Total binding energy of deutron = 4×1.1 = 4.4 MeV 

Binding energy per nucleon for helium = 7.0 MeV 

Total binding of helium 14 × 7 = 28.0 MeV 

Energy released = 28 - 4.4 = 23.6 MeV