Question
Calculate and compare the energy released by
(a) fusion of 1.0 kg of hydrogen deep within the sun, and
(b) the fission of 1.0 kg of U235 in a fission reactor.
Solution
a.) In sun, a He nucleus is formed by the fusion four hydrogen nucleii by releasing an amount of 26 MeV energy.
Therefore,
Energy released by fusion of 1 kg of hydrogen,
b.)
As energy released in fission of one atom of = 200 MeV
Energy released in fission of 1 kg of
Thus,
i.e., energy released in fusion is 7.65 times the energy released in fission.
Therefore,
Energy released by fusion of 1 kg of hydrogen,
b.)
As energy released in fission of one atom of = 200 MeV
Energy released in fission of 1 kg of
Thus,
i.e., energy released in fusion is 7.65 times the energy released in fission.