Nuclear Energy Flashcards
Is nuclear energy commonly used?
Yes, Nuclear power is commonplace throughout the world, generating a significant proportion of the total energy output of many countries.
What is nuclear fission?
Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits into several smaller fragments.
How is energy produced from nuclear fission?
The final total mass is less than the initial mass; the difference in mass (mass deficit) appears as energy
What is controlled nuclear fission used for?
nuclear power
What is uncontrolled nuclear fission used for?
nuclear weapons
How does sustained nuclear fission provide nuclear power?
Sustained nuclear fission provides the nuclear power used to generate electrical energy by means of conventional steam turbines and generators.
Why is the ability to do work in nuclear reactions greater than fossil fuels?
because of the extremely high energy density of
uranium-235.
How can we ensure nuclear power is safe?
The development and effective, safe control of nuclear reactors depends on the advances in technology and the
power of instrumentation.
What is needed to do nuclear fission?
Natural uranium requires enriching in one particular isotope, uranium-235, to be used as a reactor fuel and even greater enrichment is required for weapons use.
What are the problems with Uranium?
Uranium is only mined in a few countries and its trade has obvious ethical and political implications
What are fuel rods used for?
enriched U-235
What are control rods used for?
Made of boron to absorb neutrons
What is a moderator used for?
made of carbon, to slow down fast neutrons so they can keep the reaction going
What is needed around the nuclear reactor?
thick, concrete, bioshielding needed
What are the problems with nuclear power?
- uranium releases a lot of energy
- high cost due to safety precautions
- radioactive waste
- accidents
- weapons
