6) Radioactivity Flashcards
Nuclear fission:
How do you split an atom’s nucleus in nuclear fission?
By firing a neutron at it
Nuclear fission:
What happens to the uranium atom after the neutron is fired?
It splits in half and fires more neutrons at other uranium atoms thus splitting them
Nuclear fission:
If a neutron is fired at a uranium-235 nucleus what does this turn into?
Uranium-236 (which is unstable)
Nuclear fission:
What happens to an unstable uranium-256?
It splits into 2 fragments called ‘daughter nuclei’
Nuclear fission:
What is the main reaction called in fission?
Chain reaction
Nuclear fission:
Do neutrons need to be fast or slow moving when hitting other uranium-235 atoms?
Slow
Nuclear fission:
How are neutrons slowed down in fission?
Other components take the energy and change it into useable energy
Nuclear fission:
How is energy actually made after the chain reaction in fission?
the energy created is used to heat up water and move turbines
Nuclear fission:
What is nuclear fuel and where is it held during fission?
The uranium or plutonium atom isotope that is being split
Held in rods
Nuclear fission:
What is the moderator and what does it do?
A piece of equipment that slows down the releasing neutrons for the chain reaction
Nuclear fission:
What is a control rod and what does it do?
It holds the neutrons being released in place so they can be contained and limited easier
Nuclear fission:
What does the coolant do?
It is heated up by energy released during the chain reaction to create steam
Nuclear fission:
What are 3 advantages of nuclear power through fission?
Produces no polluting gas
Doesn’t contribute to global warming
Very low fuel costs
Nuclear fission:
What are 3 disadvantages of nuclear power through fission?
Hard to dispose of waste
Thermal pollution
Accidents can be catastrophic
Nuclear fusion:
Where do most fusion reactions take place?
Stars
