7. Fission Flashcards
What is the energy transfer process in fission?
Store of nuclear energy in the parent nucleus is transferred to the store of kinetic energy of the daughter nuclei and neutrons and some gamma radiation
Will also release heat energy
What happens in a chain reaction?
When a nucleus splits it releases more neutrons which can cause more fission reactions to occur
What happens if a chain reaction is very uncontrolled?
Heat builds up very quickly
Can cause a meltdown or explosion
How do nuclear weapons work?
Use uncontrolled chain reactions
What is the role of the control rods in a nuclear reactor?
- to slow the rate of reaction
- boron control rods absorb neutrons, ensuring that an uncontrolled chain reaction does not occur
- control rods can be lowered to absorb more neutrons and slow the reaction further
What is the role of the graphite moderator?
- slows down the neutrons by absorbing some of their kinetic energy
- makes them slow enough to be absorbed by nuclei, and increases rate of reaction
What is the role of shielding in a nuclear reactor?
Concrete or lead shielding is used to protect workers from ionising radiation released during the fission reaction process
What is the coolant?
Water that is passed through the reactor to absorb some of the thermal energy, which is turned into steam to turn turbines and generate electricity
