4.4.4 Nuclear fission and fusion
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9 Terms
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what is nuclear fission
splitting of a large and unstable nucleus (eg uranium or plutonium)
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what happens when nuclear fission takes place
the nucleus has to absorb a neutron
this triggers the nucleus to undergo fission
when the nucleus splits, it forms two smaller nuclei roughly equal in size (daughter nuclei)
it also emits two or three neutrons plus gamma radiation
energy is also released- all of the fission products have kinetic energy
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Spontaneous fission is rare. Usually, for fission to occur the unstable nucleus must first absorb a neutron.
* When the unstable nuclei absorbs a neutron it splits into two smaller nuclei, roughly equal in size and it then emits two or three neutrons and gamma rays.
* Energy is released by the fission reaction.
* This neutron may collide with another radioactive nucleus.
* This nucleus absorbs the neutron and becomes unstable
* This nucleus splits, releasing another neutron and produces more energy
this triggers the nucleus to undergo fission
when the nucleus splits, it forms two smaller nuclei roughly equal in size (daughter nuclei)
it also emits two or three neutrons plus gamma radiation
energy is also released- all of the fission products have kinetic energy
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Spontaneous fission is rare. Usually, for fission to occur the unstable nucleus must first absorb a neutron.
* When the unstable nuclei absorbs a neutron it splits into two smaller nuclei, roughly equal in size and it then emits two or three neutrons and gamma rays.
* Energy is released by the fission reaction.
* This neutron may collide with another radioactive nucleus.
* This nucleus absorbs the neutron and becomes unstable
* This nucleus splits, releasing another neutron and produces more energy
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what happens to the neutrons emitted during fission
the neutrons can now be absorbed by more uranium nuclei and trigger fission again
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what is a chain reaction
the process of nuclear fission
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what is a controlled chain reaction used for
to release energy in a nuclear reactor
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what will happen if the chain reaction is not controlled
If the chain reaction is not controlled, it will increase at an exponential rate – which is what happens in a nuclear weapon - This process is used in nuclear fission, with uranium nuclei
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the explosion in a nuclear weapon is caused by an uncontrolled fission chain reaction
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the explosion in a nuclear weapon is caused by an uncontrolled fission chain reaction
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what is nuclear fusion
This is when two small nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus,
Some of the mass is converted into energy. (released as radiation)
not a chain raction
Some of the mass is converted into energy. (released as radiation)
not a chain raction
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what is nuclear fusion the process of
releasing the energy in the stars- sun
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which is a better way to release energy
\- Fusion would be a much more efficient way of producing energy compared to fission however no design has been produced that could accomplish positive net energy on earth.