Nuclear Fission Flashcards
1
Q
what is nuclear fission
A
randomg process when an atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei
triggered by absorption of a neutron
fissile nuclides are elements with high atomic numbers
2
Q
what is e = mc^2
A
the mass of a particle id directly proportional to its energy
means that any reaction absorbs or releasese energy must be accompanied by change in mass.
MASS DEFECT - too small to detect in chemical reactions
3
Q
what is nuclear binding energy of the nucleus
A
the amount of energy needed to separate a nucleus into individual nucleons (p and n).
mass defect of nucleus - e = mc^2
4
Q
what is the difference in mass called
A
mass defect
