Homework Help: physics

Posted by robin on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 4:51pm.

One atom of Deuterium weighs 2.013553AMU. One atom of Helium weighs 4.002602AMU. In nuclear fusion, the process which powers the Sun and all other stars, 2 atoms of Deuterium are combined to form 1 atom of helium. Calculate the energy released by one such combination. (1AMU = 1.660539x10-27kg)

I really don't know what to do for this question. Even a formula would help me. thanks

physics - Damon, Friday, January 22, 2010 at 4:55pm
E = m c^2
physics - drwls, Friday, January 22, 2010 at 4:57pm
The formula you need is Einstein's famous
E = m c^2

You must have heard of that equation before.

In this case, the m is the mass lost in the reaction

2D -> He

You must use units of kg for the mass loss, not AMU. Then multiply the square the speed of light (in m/s) and you will get the answer in Joules.
physics - Damon, Friday, January 22, 2010 at 5:00pm
Well, I gave you the necessary equation but perhaps I should elaborate.
You were given very precise values for the masses of the two deuterium atoms and the one He atom.
Add the masses of two De atoms and subtract He atom.
That is mass that disappeared, violating the laws of classical physics (conservation of mass) and requiring the use of Einstein's equation relating mass and energy.

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