Two possible nuclear fusion reactions are d d 4 He and d d 4 He p , where d is deuterium, an atom with a nucleus composed of a proton bound to a neutron 3 He and 4 He are helium atoms with nuclei consisting of two protons and one neutron ( 3 He) or two protons and two neutrons ( 4 He) Both of these...

Fusion reaction Formation of one nucleus from two or more nuclei is ...

Two possible nuclear fusion reactions are d + d 4 He + and d +

Question:

Two possible nuclear fusion reactions are d + d → ⁴He + γ and d + d → ⁴He + p , where d is deuterium, an atom with a nucleus composed of a proton bound to a neutron. ³He and ⁴He are helium atoms with nuclei consisting of two protons and one neutron (³He) or two protons and two neutrons (⁴He). Both of these reactions satisfy energy conservation. Which do you think occurs more quickly and why?