Induced Nuclear Reactions Flashcards
What is nuclear fission?
When neutrons are fired at a very large stable nuclei
What are the conditions of nuclear fission?
The neutrons fired can’t be too fast or slow
What are the results of nuclear fission?
2 smaller daughter nuclei (usually diff) with a few neutrons
What is the law of mass defect?
Total mass of reactants > total mass of products
which means excess mass turns into energy
What is critical mass?
The mass of radioactive fuel source need for 1 fission reaction to conduct one more fission reaction
Why is critical mass important?
To control nuclear fission and not let everything explode!! (prevent chain reaction)
What’s the most common fuel source for fission reactions?
Uranium-235
What place can nuclear fission occur?
Nuclear reactors
What are fuel rods in nuclear reactors?
The fuel source bundled in rods and pellets
What are control rods in nuclear reactors
Physical barriers in between fuel rods to prevent triggering of fissions
What is a moderator in nuclear reactors?
Slows neutrons to increase likelihood of fission
eg. heavy water
What are some disadvantages of nuclear fission?
- Has ionising radiation
- nuclear waste
- need a lot of water to convert the energy of steam to electrical
What are some advantages of nuclear fission?
renewable and sufficient energy
produces low greenhouse gas
What is nuclear fusion?
When light positive nuclei combine to form a bigger nucleus (with other energy released)
What elements are usually used for nuclear fusion?
hydrogen and helium
