Lesson 3 - Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Nuclear reactions properties

small changes in mass, huge energy changes, protons, neutrons, electrons, and gamma rays can all be lost or gained, new atoms result

Describe nuclear fission

splitting of one heavy nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei with other particles and energy, heavy nucleus is usually unstable due to many positive protons pushing it apart

fission produces energy and neutrons are released

Induced Nuclear Fission

neutrons are smashed into an isotope which makes it unsatble, causing it to split apart and release energy and more neutrons

Nuclear chain reactions

neutrons released in the induced reaction triggers more reactions on other u-235

can get out of control, reactors have cooling systems to ensure the chain reaction stays at safe levels, “meltdown” occurs if chan reactions cannot be controlled and release too much energy (nuclear bombs)

CANDU Reactors

CANDU reactors are a type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water (D2O) as both its coolant and moderator, allowing for the use of natural uranium as fuel. They are known for their safety features and ability to be refueled while operating.

Hazardous waste

The byproducts produced from nuclear reactions, which can be radioactive and stored away from living things, buried ungerground or stored in concrete, takes 20 half lives before the material is safe

Nuclear fusion

occurs in the sun/stars, joining of two, low density nuclei into one, heavier nucleus

in the core of the sun, two hydrogen nuclei join under heart and pressure to form a helium nucleus, realizing energy