Question

deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen. the nucleus of a deuterium atom consists of one proton and one neutron. when two deuterium nuclei fuse, helium - 3 is formed, and a neutron is emitted. which equation illustrates this process?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the first equation

In the equation \(2_{1}^{2}H
ightarrow_{1}^{3}H + _{1}^{1}H\), it does not form helium - 3 (\(_{2}^{3}He\)) as required in the problem description.

Step2: Analyze the second equation

For the equation \(2_{1}^{2}H
ightarrow_{2}^{3}He+_{0}^{1}n\), the left - hand side: the mass number is \(2\times2 = 4\), and the atomic number is \(2\times1=2\). The right - hand side: the mass number of \(_{2}^{3}He\) is \(3\) and that of \(_{0}^{1}n\) is \(1\), so \(3 + 1=4\); the atomic number of \(_{2}^{3}He\) is \(2\) and that of \(_{0}^{1}n\) is \(0\), so \(2+0 = 2\). It satisfies the conservation of mass number (\(A\)) and atomic number (\(Z\)) in nuclear reactions, and forms helium - 3 and emits a neutron as described.

Step3: Analyze the third equation

In the equation \(2_{1}^{2}H
ightarrow_{1}^{2}H+_{0}^{1}e\), it does not form helium - 3.

Step4: Analyze the fourth equation

The equation \(2H_{2}+O_{2}
ightarrow2H_{2}O\) is a chemical reaction (combustion of hydrogen), not a nuclear fusion reaction to form helium - 3.

Answer:

\(2_{1}^{2}H
ightarrow_{2}^{3}He+_{0}^{1}n\)