Nuclear Fission and Fusion Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key physics concepts of nuclear fission, chain reactions, and nuclear fusion.

Nuclear Fission

A process in which a large and unstable nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, splits into two smaller nuclei.

Daughter Nuclei

The two smaller nuclei, roughly equal in size, that are formed when an unstable nucleus splits during nuclear fission.

Spontaneous Fission

Nuclear fission that occurs by itself without absorbing a neutron, which is described as being quite rare.

Chain Reaction

A process where neutrons emitted during fission are absorbed by additional nuclei, triggering subsequent fission reactions in a short time and releasing an enormous amount of energy.

Controlled Fission Chain Reaction

A fission chain reaction managed by scientists in nuclear reactors to release energy used to generate electricity.

Uncontrolled Fission Chain Reaction

A fission chain reaction that proceeds without regulation, causing the explosion in a nuclear weapon.

Nuclear Fusion

A process where two light nuclei (such as hydrogen) join to form a heavier nucleus, converting some of the mass into energy released as radiation.