32.5 Exercise 15

Two fusion reactions mentioned in the text are

$n + ^{3} \text{He} \rightarrow ^{4} \text{He} + \gamma$

and

$n + ^{1} \text{H} \rightarrow ^{2} \text{H} + \gamma$.

Both reactions release energy, but the second also creates more fuel. Confirm that the energies produced in the reactions are 20.58 and 2.22 MeV, respectively. Comment on which product nuclide is most tightly bound, $^{4} \text{He}$ or $^{2} \text{H}$.