Nuclear fission Flashcards
1
Q
What is nuclear fission
A
- The process by which a large, unstable nuclei is split up into two, smaller “daughter” nuclei
2
Q
What are two ways that nuclear fission can occur
A
- Spontaneously (very rare)
- Absorbing a neutron
3
Q
What method do we use for nuclear fission in a nuclear power plant
A
- Splitting up the nuclei by firing a nuetron
- When the nuclei splits up, it releases lots of energy via gamma radiation
4
Q
What are the steps of nuclear fission in a power plant
A
- A neutron is fired at a large, unstable nuclei at a relatively slow speed
- The addition of a neutron makes the nuclei more unstable, causing it to split into two “daughter” nuclei
- This spitting releases lots of energy in the form of gamma radiation
- Extra neutrons are also released when the nuclei splits. These neutrons go and collide with more nuclei and the process repeats
- This is known as a chain reaction
5
Q
How do we transfer the energy we obtain via nuclear fission into electricity
A
- The gamma radiation that is released when the nuclei splits is used to heat up water into steam
- This steam is used to spin a turbine
- The kinetic energy of the turbine spinnig is transferred to electricity using a generator
6
Q
What do we do to control a chain reaction
A
- A chain reaction happens rapidly and must be controlled
- Nuclear bombs use uncontrolled chain reactions
- We control the chain reactions using control rods. These absorb neutrons, effectively slowing down the process
7
Q
What are some cons regarding nuclear fission
A
- Nuclear reactors (power plants) are very expensive to set up
- Nuclear waste is expensive to get rid of (must be buried in special bunkers)
- Always a risk of a uncontrolled chain reactions leading to a major disaster
8
Q
What are some pros regarding nuclear fission
A
- Fuel is relatively cheap
- Large and stabe source of power
- Although the fuel is not renewable, it is considered clean as no greenhouse gases emitted
