Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen. The nucleus of a deuterium atom consists of one proton and one neutron. When two deuterium nuclei fuse, helium-3 is formed, and a neutron is emitted. Which equation illustrates this process?
$2 H _2+ O _2 \rightarrow 2 H _2 O$
${ }_2^2 H \rightarrow{ }_1^3 H +{ }_1^1 H$
${ }_1^1 H \rightarrow{ }_1^2 H +{ }_1^0 e$
$2_1^2 H \rightarrow 2_2^3 He +{ }_0^1 n$
Answer (1)
Represent deuterium as 1 2 H , helium-3 as 2 3 He , and a neutron as 0 1 n .
Write the fusion equation: 2 1 2 H → 2 3 He + 0 1 n .
Compare with the given options.
The correct equation is 2 1 2 H → 2 3 He + 0 1 n .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are given that two deuterium nuclei fuse to form helium-3 and a neutron. We need to identify the correct nuclear equation for this process.
Representing the Particles A deuterium nucleus is represented as 1 2 H (1 proton and 1 neutron). Helium-3 is represented as 2 3 He (2 protons and 1 neutron). A neutron is represented as 0 1 n (0 protons and 1 neutron).
Writing the Equation The fusion process can be written as: 1 2 H + 1 2 H → 2 3 He + 0 1 n , which is equivalent to 2 1 2 H → 2 3 He + 0 1 n .
Identifying the Correct Option Comparing this with the given options, we find that the correct equation is 2 1 2 H → 2 3 He + 0 1 n .
Examples
Nuclear fusion is a process that powers the sun and other stars. In the core of the sun, hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium, releasing tremendous amounts of energy. This energy is what sustains life on Earth. The equation we identified represents a similar fusion process involving deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen. Understanding these processes helps us explore potential future energy sources, such as fusion reactors, which aim to replicate the sun's energy production on Earth.
