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Asked in GSEB Board March 2023 · Energy released in fission and fusion
Idea: the reaction printed is the third step of the proton-proton cycle — a deuteron captures a proton and becomes helium-3.
The steps of the cycle release, in order, 0.42 MeV, 1.02 MeV, 5.49 MeV and 12.86 MeV.
The one shown here, ²₁H+¹₁H→³₂He+γ, releases 5.49 MeV.
Check it against the total: with the first three steps happening twice each, 2(0.42+1.02+5.49)+12.86=26.7 MeV, the accepted net release per helium nucleus formed.
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