²H + ³H → ⁴He + ¹n + 17.6 MeV
Explanation:
* ²H: Deuterium (an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron)
* ³H: Tritium (an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons)
* ⁴He: Helium-4 (the most common isotope of helium, with two protons and two neutrons)
* ¹n: Neutron
* 17.6 MeV: Energy released in the reaction
This equation represents the fusion of deuterium and tritium, which produces helium-4 and a neutron, releasing a significant amount of energy.
Key features of fusion reactions:
* Light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei.
* A tremendous amount of energy is released.
* Fusion reactions are the source of energy in stars.