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Ch.20 - Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 97

Given that the energy released in the fusion of two deuterons to a 3He and a neutron is 3.3 MeV, and in the fusion to tritium and a proton it is 4.0 MeV, calculate the energy change for the process 3He + 1n → 3H + 1p. Suggest an explanation for why this process occurs at much lower temperatures than either of the first two.

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1
Identify the given reactions and their energy changes: \(2 \text{D} \rightarrow \text{^3He} + \text{n} + 3.3 \text{ MeV}\) and \(2 \text{D} \rightarrow \text{^3H} + \text{p} + 4.0 \text{ MeV}\).
Write the target reaction: \(\text{^3He} + \text{n} \rightarrow \text{^3H} + \text{p}\).
Use the principle of conservation of energy to relate the given reactions to the target reaction. Consider the energy changes involved in the formation of \(\text{^3He}\) and \(\text{^3H}\).
Calculate the energy change for the target reaction by considering the difference in energy released between the two given reactions.
Discuss why the target reaction might occur at lower temperatures, considering factors such as the kinetic energy of particles, potential energy barriers, and the nature of the particles involved.