Nuclear Fission And Fussion

Question 1

What happens in the process of nuclear fission?

Answer 1

An atomic nuclei split. This process releases energy, which can be used to heat water and turn it into steam. The steam drives turbines, which is connected to a generator and generates electricity

Question 2

What is nuclear fusion?

Answer 2

It is the joining together of atomic nuclei to a larger one and is the process by which energy is released in stars

Question 3

What are the two fissionable substances in common use in nuclear reactors?

Answer 3

uranium-235

plutonium-239

Question 4

What must occur in order for fission to take place?

Answer 4

The uranium-235 or plutonium-239 nucleus must first absorb a neutron

Question 5

What happens to a nucleus undergoing fission?

Answer 5

It splits into 2 similar nuclei and 2 or 3 neutrons and energy is released. The neurons may go on to start a chain reaction

Question 6

When do stars form?

Answer 6

When enough dust and gas from space is pulled together by gravitational attraction. Smaller masses may also form and be attracted by a large mass to become planets

Question 7

During the “main sequence” period of its life cycle, why is a star stable?

Answer 7

Because the forces within it are balanced

Question 8

What do fusion processes in stars produce?

Answer 8

All of the naturally occurring elements. These element may be distributed throughout the universe by an explosion of a supernova at the end od its life