nuclear fission

fission fragments and neutrons have high kinetic energy and speed

what is nuclear fission?

• splitting of a larger unstable nucleus into two fragments (smaller nuclei)

• releasing energy and 2-3 neutrons

what is induced fission?

fission that is not spontaneous

how does fission happen?

• 1 neutron hits 1 nucleus

  • creates 2/3 fission neutrons

  • could start another fission

  • release energy

  • create fission fragments (smaller daughter nuclei)

what is a chain reaction?

when reactions cause further reactions which in turn cause further reactions, etc.

how is a chain reaction controlled in a nuclear reactor?

• controlled by control rods

  • control the energy released

  • they remove some neutrons to keep the chain reaction going at a constant rate

how is an explosion of a nuclear bomb caused?

• uncontrolled chain reaction

  • extra neutrons not removed so the reaction gets faster

what is a nuclear reactor?

• where fission occurs

  • water boiled to produce steam

  • steam turns turbines that turn generators to generate electricity