Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 31 - Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation - Problems - Page 912: 37

Answer

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Work Step by Step

In the d-d reaction, 2 deuterons react to release 4.03MeV. We know the fraction of deuterium vs regular H in natural water is $0.0115\%$. Find the energy in a kilogram of water. $$(1.00\;kg\;H_2O)\frac{4.03MeV}{2\;deuterium}\frac{0.000115d}{1H}\frac{2H}{H_2O}\frac{6.02\times10^{23}molecules}{0.018kg}$$ $$=1.550\times10^{22}MeV$$ This equals $2.48\times10^9J$. Compared to the energy released by burning 1.0 kg of gasoline, this is greater by a factor of 50. $$\frac{2.48\times10^9J}{5\times10^7J}\approx 50$$
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