5-Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Question 1

Alpha particles

Answer 1

Structure of helium nucleus

Question 2

Beta particles

Answer 2

A fast moving electron

Question 3

Gamma rays

Answer 3

Electromagnetic waves

Question 4

Ionisation

Answer 4

The process of removing electrons from atoms

Question 5

Fusion reactions

Answer 5

Reactions in which lighter nuclei join together and produce energy

Question 6

Fission reactions

Answer 6

The splitting of a nucleus when it absorbs a neutron

Question 7

Chain reaction

Answer 7

When neutrons from previous fission reactions go on to produce further uncontrolled fission reactions

Question 8

Fuel rods

Answer 8

Contain pellets of nuclear fuel

Question 9

Coolant

Answer 9

Removes thermal energy produced in the fission reactions in the reactor core to be used to heat water

Question 10

Moderator

Answer 10

Surrounds nuclear fuel rods and slows down fast moving neutrons

Question 11

Control rods

Answer 11

Can be lowered into the reactor to absorb neutrons

Question 12

Critical mass

Answer 12

Minimum mass of a fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction

Question 13

Cold fusion

Answer 13

Nuclear fusion at room temperature

Question 14

Radioactive decay

Answer 14

When a nucleus breaks and emits a particle or wave to become more stable