Question

What will be the energy released in the fusion process of two lighter nuclei of masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) into a nucleus of mass \( M \)?

• A. \( \left( m_1 + m_2 - M \right) c^2 \)
• B. \( \left( M - \left( m_1 + m_2 \right) \right) c^2 \)
• C. \( \left( M - m_1 \right) + m_2 c^2 \)
• D. \( \left[ M + \left( m_1 - m_2 \right) \right] c^2 \)

Hint:

In nuclear fusion, the energy released is directly proportional to the mass defect between the combined masses of the reactants and the product nucleus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The energy released during a fusion process is given by the equation: \[ E_{\text{released}} = \left( m_1 + m_2 - M \right) c^2 \] This formula is derived from the mass defect in the fusion process, where the combined mass of the products is less than the sum of the masses of the reactants. The mass difference is converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation \( E = mc^2 \).