6.36-6.46 Nuclear Flashcards
Does Nuclear power release Carbon dioxide?
No
Give two disadvantages to nuclear power
.Safety risk of radiation leaking
.Chain reaction becoming uncontrollable and causing a meltdown
.Security risk-people may try and obtain radioactive material
.public perception of nuclear power is negative
.Waste disposal is difficult
Which 3 nuclear reactions can be used for energy?
.Fission
.Fusion
.Radioactive decay
What isotope is used in nuclear fission?
Uranium 235
What does the nuclear fission of U-235 produce?
Two daughter nuclei and the emission of two or more electrons, accompanied by the release of energy
How is the chain reaction controlled?
Moderators-slows down the emitted neutrons
.Control rods-Absorb excess neutrons
How is heat energy from the chain reaction used in the generation of electricity?
.Heat energy is absorbed by water which evaporates into steam, and used to turn a turbine which turns the generator to generate electricity
What are the products of nuclear fission?
Radioactive
How would you describe nuclear fusion?
.The creation of larger nuclei, resulting in loss of mass for smaller nuclei accompanied by the release of energy
Nuclear fusion is the energy source for what?
Stars
Whats the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?
.Fission is the splitting of heavy unstable nucleus into two lighter nuclei
.Fusion is the process where two light nuclei combine to release vast amounts of energy
Why does nuclear fusion not happen at low temperatures?
.Due to the electrostatic repulsion of protons