P&W : Nuclear Reactions Flashcards
Isotopes
An isotope of an element has the same number of protons but a different number of neurtrons
Mass Number (A)
Gives the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Atomic Number (Z)
Gives the number of protons in the nucleus.
Alpha Radiation
Alpha radiation conisists of 2 Protons and 2 neutrons. It is the same as a helium nucleus.
It has a relativly small mass and a short range in air (3-5cm)
It is positvely charged and is absorbed by a single sheet of paper
Beta Radiation
A beta particle is a fast moving electron.
It has a relativly small mass and a longer range in air (15cm)
It is negativly charged and is absorbed by 2-3mm of aluminium.
Gamma radiation
A gamma ray is a high electromagnetic wave.
It has no mass and a very long range in air (hundreds of metres)
It has no charge and is abosrbed by 2-3cm of lead.
Alpha Decay
Mass Number (A) will decrease by 4
Atomic Number (Z) Will decrease by 2
Beta Decay
Mass Number (A) will remain unchanged Atomic (Z) will increase by 1
Nuclear Fission
The process in which an unstable, heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more lighter nucei (called fission fragments), with energy being released.
Spontanous Fission and Induced Fission
Spontaneous Fission - A type of nuclear fission that occurs when the nuclues randomly decays.
Induced Fision - A type of nuclear fission that occurs when the nucleus is bombarded by a neutroin causing it to split.
Chain Fission reactions
When a nucleus unergoes induced fission the released neutrons can go on to hit other nuclei, casuing further fission reactions, and the cycle repeats.
Nuclear Fission Reactors
Nuclear power stations uses nuclear fission to produce heat energy within the nuclear fission reactors.
Nuclear Fusion
The process of a small nucei joining together to form a larger nucleus, with energy being released.
Nuclear Fusion reactor
Where nuclear fusion is used to produce energy
Special conditions of high temperatures and pressured are required to create the plasma in which the fusion reactions can take place.
Plasma and Plasma Containment
Plasma - A state of matter in which nuclear fusion reactions can take place on.
Plasma Contaiment - The use of strong magnetic fields to prevent the high-temperature plasma from physically touching and therefore melting any parts of the reactor.
