A fusion process uses the pB11 fusion reaction producing a C12 nucleus in its excited state. This excited C12 nucleus decays to Be8 and He4. Be8 within 10-13 sec further decays into two more He4 nuclei. This is the only nuclear energy releasing process in that it releases fusion energy and helium nuclei, but no initial neutrons, making it ideal for nuclear rocket propulsion. m(1H1) = 1. 0078250 amu, m(5B11) = 11. 0093055 amu, m(2He4) = 4. 0026032 amu 1 amu = 931. 481 MeV 1. Balance the nuclear reactions. 2. Calculate the Q value of the overall reaction. ? 5B11 → 2He4 6C12* 6C12* → 4Be8 ? 4Be8 → ? ? __________________________ ? ? → ?
a. 4Be8 → 2He4 + 2He4
b. 4Be8 → He4 + He4 + He4
c. 4Be8 → 2He4
d. 4Be8 → He4 + He4