NUCLEAR FUSION AND FISISON BEFORE EXAM Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
what is energy mass equivalence?
A
- mass can be converted to energy
- energy can be converted to mass
2
Q
define mass defect
A
the difference between an atoms mass and the sum of its individual nucleons
3
Q
how do we calculate mass defect
A
Zmp + ( A - Z ) mn - mtotal
4
Q
define binding energy
A
energy required to seperate a nucleon into its constituent proton and neutrons
5
Q
what is nuclear fusion
A
- joining together of two light nuclei to produce a larger nucleus
6
Q
what is nuclear fission
A
splitting of a larger nucleus into smaller nuclei
7
Q
why are conditions required for fusion
A
- high KE required to overcome electrostatic repulsion and get in range of SNF
- tends to be in hot environments
8
Q
how can nuclear fission be induced
A
- firing neutrons at a nucleus
- neutrons are released in fission which can collide with other nucleus, causing a cascade effect
- chain reaction
