Calculating Energy of Deuterium-Tritium Reaction

In summary, the formula for calculating the energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction is E = (m<sub>d</sub> + m<sub>t</sub> - m<sub>p</sub> - m<sub>n</sub>)c<sup>2</sup>, where E is the energy, m<sub>d</sub> is the mass of deuterium, m<sub>t</sub> is the mass of tritium, m<sub>p</sub> is the mass of a proton, m<sub>n</sub> is the mass of a neutron, and c is the speed of light. The mass of deuterium and tritium can be determined by using the
  • #1
Dr. Octavious
22
0
Hello all,

Assume we have a deuterium-tritium reaction. The energy released is 17.6 MeV. I know from solved examples that neutrons carry 14.1 MeV and Helium carries 3.5 MeV. How do I calculate these numbers (14.1 MeV and 3.5 MeV)?
 
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  • #2
Energy and momentum conservation. Assume that the lab frame is the center of mass frame, and then see how to distribute the energy to give both the same momentum (just with opposite sign).
 
  • #3
Looks like the energy is shared between the products inversely proportional to their mass
 

Related to Calculating Energy of Deuterium-Tritium Reaction

1. What is the formula for calculating the energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction?

The formula for calculating the energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction is E = (md + mt - mp - mn)c2, where E is the energy, md is the mass of deuterium, mt is the mass of tritium, mp is the mass of a proton, mn is the mass of a neutron, and c is the speed of light.

2. How do you determine the mass of deuterium and tritium for the calculation?

The mass of deuterium and tritium can be determined by using the atomic mass of each element, which can be found on the periodic table. Deuterium has a mass of 2.014 atomic mass units (amu) and tritium has a mass of 3.016 amu.

3. What is the speed of light used in the calculation of energy for a deuterium-tritium reaction?

The speed of light used in the calculation is the standard speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

4. What is the unit of measurement for the energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction?

The energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction is typically measured in joules (J) or electron volts (eV). One joule is equal to 6.242x1018 electron volts.

5. Can the energy of a deuterium-tritium reaction be calculated using other elements?

Yes, the energy of a reaction can be calculated using any elements that undergo fusion. However, the mass and atomic properties of each element will need to be taken into account in the calculation.

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