Physics WJEC GCSE Unit 2.9 Nuclear Decay and Nuclear Energy

What is Fission?

its when a slow moving neutron moves into a Uranium-235 Nucleus, splitting it into 2 smaller Nuclei and 2 to 3 faster moving electrons.

What is Fission used for?

In nuclear reactors to produce energy

What is Nuclear Fusion?

Two small Nuclei Fusing together to create one Larger Nucleus

Why does Fusion require so much energy?

To overcome the repulsion between 2 positive Nuclei.

What happens if the chain reaction of Fission goes out of control?

The reactor will Melt Down and lose control.

Whats the use of control rods?

To be lowered or raised into reactor to absorb neutrons, to ensure the reaction doesn’t lose control, by absorbing 2 out of 3 neutrons.

Whats the use of the Concrete shield?

To ensure no radiation escapes.

What fuels a reactor?

Usually uranium

Whats the use of a graphite moderator?

To slow the neutrons down so they can be absorbed by uranium nuclei.