Deuterium-Tritium Fusion

2H + 3H → 4He + 1n

Overview

Deuterium and tritium fuse at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees to form helium-4 and a neutron, releasing 17.6 MeV of energy. This is the most feasible fusion reaction for power generation because it has the lowest ignition temperature and highest cross-section. The neutron carries 80% of the energy.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Hydrogen H 1 (g)
Product Helium He 1 (g)

Everyday Example

The sun's energy comes from fusion reactions, though it primarily uses the proton-proton chain rather than D-T fusion.

Industrial Importance

D-T fusion is the basis for ITER and most fusion power research programs. Commercial fusion would provide virtually unlimited clean energy from seawater deuterium.

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-1700000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Deuterium-Tritium Fusion?
The balanced equation is: ²H + ³H → ⁴He + ¹n.
What type of reaction is Deuterium-Tritium Fusion?
Deuterium-Tritium Fusion is a nuclear reaction.
Is Deuterium-Tritium Fusion exothermic or endothermic?
Deuterium-Tritium Fusion is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1700000000.0 kJ/mol.