2.7 Nuclear Flashcards
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of an atomic nucleus
How does nuclear fission occur?
A neutron is absorbed by the nucleus forcing it to split
What does happens to the nucleus in nuclear fission?
It split into two smaller (daughter) nuclei
With vast amounts of energy and more neutrons released
What two substances are normally used in nuclear fission?
Uranium
Plutonium
What is a chain reaction?
Where fission causes further fission in a nuclear reactor
What is nuclear fusion?
Forcing two smaller nuclei close enough together so the form a single larger nucleus
Why does fusion require a lot of energy?
The two smaller nuclei want to repel each other as the have the same positive charge
What conditions are required in nuclear fusion?
High pressure and temperature for enough energy to forcibly collide
What is released in nuclear fusion?
Energy
What does a nuclear fusion reaction have to be contained in?
A magnetic field
What do you have to consider being near nuclear material?
Reduce your exposure
Stay a safe distance away
Shield yourself with lead
What is the lifecycle of an average star?
Nebula Baby star Protostar Main sequence star Red giant Planetary nebula White dwarf Black dwarf
What is the lifecycle of a massive star?
Nebula Baby star Protostar Main sequence star Red super giant Supernova Black hole or neutron star
How do stars form?
Dust and gas collapse in because of gravity
And the gravitational energy increases the more it is pulled together
Gravitational energy turns into heat energy so the temperature increases
Therefore hydrogen undergoes nuclear fusion into helium
When it runs out of fuel it expands the contracts then cools
How are heavier elements formed?
In the final stages of the life of a massive star
