Nuclear Fission Flashcards
1
Q
Name the 2 fissionable substances
A
Uranium-235, plutonium-239
2
Q
What is nuclear fission?
A
The splitting of an atomic nucleus
3
Q
What must happen for fission to occur?
A
The uranium or plutonium must absorb a neutron
4
Q
What happens after the neutron has been absorbed?
A
The nucleus undergoing fission splits into 2 smaller nuclei, 2 or 3 neutrons, and it releases energy
5
Q
How can a chain reaction be stopped?
A
Adding control rods, that absorb neutrons
