The diagram shows part of an experimental fusion reactor - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 8 - 2016

First, we calculate the total mass of the reactants and products:

• Mass of Reactants:

  • ( m_{reactants} = 3.3436 \times 10^{-27} + 5.0083 \times 10^{-27} )
  • ( m_{reactants} = 8.3519 \times 10^{-27} \text{ kg} )

• Mass of Products:

  • ( m_{products} = 6.6465 \times 10^{-27} + 1.6749 \times 10^{-27} )
  • ( m_{products} = 8.3214 \times 10^{-27} \text{ kg} )

• Mass Defect (Δm):

  • ( Δm = m_{reactants} - m_{products} )
  • ( Δm = 8.3519 \times 10^{-27} - 8.3214 \times 10^{-27} = 3.0505 \times 10^{-29} \text{ kg} )

Using the mass-energy equivalence formula:

$E = Δm c^2$

With the speed of light ( c = 3.00 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} ):

$E = (3.0505 \times 10^{-29} \text{ kg}) \times (3.00 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s})^2$ $E = 2.745 \times 10^{-12} \text{ J}$

Thus, the energy released in the reaction is approximately ( 2.75 \times 10^{-12} \text{ J} ).

Plasma can cool and lose energy if it comes into contact with the walls of the reactor, leading to a potential reaction stop. A magnetic field is necessary to confine the high-temperature plasma, preventing it from touching the walls and ensuring that the fusion process can continue effectively.

The force on a positively charged particle in a magnetic field is given by the right-hand rule. If the particle enters the magnetic field as shown (assumed to be into the page), the force will be directed upwards, indicating that the resultant force is in the direction 'up the page'.