How much energy (in kJ/mol) is released in the fusion reaction of 1H and 2H atoms?

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This reaction is the source of energy for stars, including the sun, and occurs under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. In the case of hydrogen isotopes, deuterium (2H) and protium (1H), their fusion produces helium and releases significant energy.

In nuclear reactions, the energy released is often measured in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol). This energy comes from the mass defect, where the mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. According to Einstein's equation E=mc², this mass difference is converted into energy, which is released during the fusion process.

Binding energy is the energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons. It is a measure of the stability of a nucleus; higher binding energy indicates a more stable nucleus. In fusion reactions, the binding energy of the resulting nucleus is greater than that of the original nuclei, leading to the release of energy as the system moves to a lower energy state.