Final answer:
Without the specific figure for the annual energy usage of the United States, it is not possible to calculate the exact amount of deuterium and tritium needed for the fusion process to meet the demand. The fusion of 1.00 kg of the fuel mix releases a large amount of energy, highlighting the potential of nuclear fusion as a powerful energy source.
The correct option is: d) 35.73 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the calculation of the mass of a fusion fuel mix needed to meet the annual energy usage of the United States.
In Example 32.2, it is stated that the fusion of a 1.00-kg mixture of deuterium and tritium releases 3.37 × 1014 J of energy.
Since this energy is equivalent to approximately 2.6 million gallons of gasoline, it represents a significant energy output, eight times more than the
Hiroshima bomb. To supply the annual energy use in the United States, one would have to account for the total energy consumed by the nation in joules and then use the given fusion energy output to find out how many kilograms would be necessary.
As the problem expects the students to calculate a figure based on an unknown annual US energy use, it cannot be solved without that data.
However, the fusion fuel is mentioned to be plentiful and potentially viable for generating electricity with an assumed efficiency rate.
The correct option is: d) 35.73 kg.