Final answer:
The student's question pertains to nuclear fusion reactions, with the deuterium-tritium fusion (2H + 3H) having the advantage of higher energy release over deuterium-deuterium fusion (2H + 2H), making option (a) correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has inquired about the advantages of one nuclear fusion reaction over another. Specifically, they are comparing the reactions 2H + 3H → 4He + n (deuterium + tritium) against 2H + 2H → 3He + n (deuterium + deuterium). The advantage of the 2H + 3H reaction is that it has a higher energy release compared to the 2H + 2H reaction.
When considering the energy output and the conditions required for nuclear fusion, the deuterium-tritium reaction is preferable. It is one of the most promising reactions for controlled thermonuclear fusion due to its relatively lower Coulomb barrier, which leads to a higher reaction rate at achievable temperatures. Nuclear fusion holds significant promise for generating power due to its high energy density and the abundance of light elements that serve as fuel.
Therefore, the correct option in the final answer is (a) The reaction 2H + 3H has higher energy release.