(4) Fission and Fusion

Question 1

What is nuclear fission?

Answer 1

A neutron is fired at a large, unstable nuclei, it splits to form smaller more stable nuclei and then the emission of spare neutrons

Question 2

What happens to induce fission?

Answer 2

And unstable nuclei absorbs a neutron

Question 3

Alongside the two fission fragments what is produced?

Answer 3

• 2 neutrons
• gamma rays
• energy (fission products have kinetic energy)

Question 4

How does fission turn into a chain reaction?

Answer 4

• an unstable nuclei absorbs a neutron, it undergoes fissions and produces 2 more neutron
• these then induce fission in other unstable nuclei

Question 5

What is the consequence of an uncontrolled chain reaction?

Answer 5

• the rate of fission becomes too high and produces a lot of energy, this can lead to nuclear explosions

Question 6

What is nuclear fusion?

Answer 6

The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus (happens in stars)

Question 7

Why can’t we generate energy from nuclear fusion?

Answer 7

Fusion requires a very high temperature which in itself requires large quantities of energy and casing to withstand it. More energy is used than us being produced.

Question 8

Which releases more energy, fission or fusion?

Answer 8

Fusion