Modern, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics

nuclear fission

The process of splitting a very heavy nucleus into two nearly equal parts by absorbing a neutron (Only heavy nuclei such as U-235 and Pu-239 can undergo fission)

nuclear chain reaction

the continued process of atoms splitting and releasing neutrons that trigger more atoms to split

binding energy

the energy that holds a nucleus together, equal to the mass defect of the nucleus.

fuel rods

hollow metal cylinders filled with uranium fuel pellets for use in fission reactors

nuclear reactor

consists of a core, control rods, moderator, steam generator, turbine, containment building.

Thermal Neutrons

Neutrons that have kinetic energies approximately equal to those of molecules of a substance at ordinary temperatures

Moderators

A material that has the ability to slow down neutrons in a fission reaction without stopping them

critical mass

Minimum amount of fissionable nuclide required for a chain reaction to occur

control rods

Used to absorb neutrons in a nuclear reactor
Can slow a reaction down or stop a fission reaction in a matter of seconds

coolants

Heat generated by fission is kept at reasonable levels and transported to heat exchangers and turbines by a substance

shielding

Steel lining is used for internal shielding
High-density concrete is use for external shielding

hydroelectric generator

Falling water cranks a turbine which turns a generator

boiling water reactor

BWR's actually boil water

pressurized water reactor

PWR's keep water under pressure so that it heats, but does not boil

nuclear fusion

a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.

Artificial Transmutation

process of bombarding a nucleus with small nuclei to make it larger.

particle accelerator

uses electric and magnetic fields to provide a charged bombarding nuclear particle with sufficient kinetic energy to induce the desired reaction.