process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts resulting in two different nuclei with less mass
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fusion
Combining of nuclei of light atoms such as hydrogen into heavier nuclei accompanied by the release of energy.
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3
Which fundamental forces are involved in these two nuclear processes?
Strong Nuclear Force (Binds the nucleus together)
Electromagnetic Force (Positive protons repel)
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4
What is directly produced by fission? (products)
2 daughter nuclei, free neutrons, & releases a very large amount of energy in the form of heat and light (gamma and x-rays)
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What are some examples of where fission can be seen/used?
**Fission bombs** (use a simple design which takes small subcritical masses of material such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 and joins them together into one supercritical mass.)
**Nuclear power** (is the use of nuclear reactors to release nuclear energy through fission which can then be used to generate electricity.)
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What are some example of where fusion can be seen/used?
**Thermonuclear weapon (Hydrogen Bomb)** (is a nuclear weapon design that uses the energy from a primary nuclear fission reaction to compress and ignite a secondary)
**nuclear fusion reaction**
**Fusion power**
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What is a chain reaction?
Most reactions produce two to three neutrons which are absorbed by other nuclei, causing them to fission, leading to a chain reaction
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How does the amount (mass) of material determine if a chain reaction occurs?
the minimum amount (mass) of material needed to sustain a chain reaction.
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subcritical mass
not enough mass - chain reaction cannot be sustained and dies out
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super-critical mass
more than enough mass - chain reaction can build up explosively
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What is the primary source of radioactive material currently used as a fuel source in nuclear reactions?
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