How do you calculate the energy released in fusion?

The energy released in fusion is calculated using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, E=mc^2.

In more detail, fusion is a nuclear process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy. The energy released in fusion can be calculated using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, which states that energy (E) equals mass (m) times the speed of light (c) squared.

To calculate the energy released in fusion, you first need to determine the mass defect of the reaction. The mass defect is the difference between the mass of the reactants (the nuclei that are fusing) and the mass of the product (the heavier nucleus formed). This mass defect is converted into energy during the fusion process.

To find the mass defect, subtract the mass of the product nucleus from the total mass of the reactant nuclei. This will give you the mass that has been converted into energy. Then, multiply this mass by the speed of light squared (c^2) to find the energy released. The speed of light is approximately 3 x 10^8 metres per second, so c^2 is approximately 9 x 10^16 m^2/s^2.

Remember that the masses involved in nuclear reactions are usually measured in atomic mass units (u), where 1 u is approximately 1.66 x 10^-27 kilograms. Also, the energy released is usually measured in electron volts (eV), where 1 eV is approximately 1.6 x 10^-19 joules. To convert from kilograms to atomic mass units, or from joules to electron volts, you'll need to use these conversion factors.

IB Physics Tutor Summary: To calculate energy released in fusion, find the mass defect by subtracting the mass of the formed nucleus from the combined mass of the initial nuclei. Multiply this mass defect by the speed of light squared, c^2, to get the energy in joules. Use conversion factors to change units if needed. This uses Einstein's formula, E=mc^2, relating mass to energy.