6.4.4.1 Nuclear Fission Flashcards
1
Q
What is nuclear fission?
A
- splitting of a large and unstable nucleus to release energy
- e.g uranium, plutonium
2
Q
What is spontaneous (unforced) fission?
A
- rare
- unstable nucleus first absorbs a neutron for fission to happen
3
Q
What happens when the nucleus undergoes fission?
A
- splits into two smaller nuclei (roughly equal in size)
- emits two or three neutrons and gamma rays
- releases energy
4
Q
What do all fission products have?
A
- kinetic energy
5
Q
What may the neutrons go to start?
A
- a chain reaction
6
Q
Why is the chain reaction controlled in a nuclear reactor?
A
- to control energy released
- as it causes explosion which is caused by a nuclear weapon if uncontrolled
