Chaoter 5a Flashcards
Binding energy v free nucleon
Total energy required to split a nucleus into its constituent nucleon, nucleon not bound to any other nucleus.
Mass defect
Difference in mass between a nucleus and its constituent nucleons
Nuclear fission v fusion
Process of splitting a singly nucleus into several smaller nuclei v process of forcing several smaller nuclei to form a single larger nucleus
Product v reactant
Formed as the result of reaction v present at the start of a reaction involved in the reaction
Energy and mass equivalent
Energy proportion to mass, stating even small mass has large energy. Mass added energy increases, everyday objects it’s not noticeable but for subatomical particles it is.
Mass defect: difference in mass between product and reactant (meaning a conversion between energy and mass has been made )
Fundamental example of matter being converted to energy is the split and form of atoms
- seperate nucleus into its nucleons, add energy to nucleons to overcome strong force
- free nucleons have more energy and mass than bound nucleous due to mass energy equivalent
- nucleous of atom will be lighter then total mass of protons and neutrons that form a nucleus
Nucleous fission and fusion in general
Change atomic nuclei into dif nuclei
Decrease mass and release energy
Can produce large amounts of energy
Fusion: stars use to generate energy
Fission: used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity
Nuclear fusion
Combine two or more lighter nuclei into a single heavier nucleous, reactants must be very close for strong force overcome electrostatic force . Requiring extremely energetic conditions like high temp, pressure or a combination of both.
Fusion occurs within stars over their lifetime, creating conditions for further fusion reactions with the high energetic conditions sustaining stars. Most stars have the reaction of two hydrogen isotopes to a helium fusion.
Nuclear fission
Split nucleus into two or more nuclei
Fision of stable atom require input in energy to overcome strong forces binding nucleus
After the input the electrostatic force repelling protons is dominant nucleus splitting.
Often produce free neutrons triggering other fission reactions. Most common mechanism to begin nucleur fission is bombarding a heavy nuclous with neutrons
What reaction is for earth
Fission is easily achievable on earth, being controlled and harnessed for electricity production in power plants
Binding energy curve
Shows how amount of nucleons in a nucleus affect how tightly bound it is
Why cna both fusion and fission release energy
Binding energy is added to nucleus of an atom to overcome strong forces for a stable Tom to be completely separated into unbound nucleons. Energy equivalent of mass defect in atom formation. Bound energy Always positive due to bound nucleus being lighter than component nucleons.
Any reaction where products hav e greater total binding energy than the reactants will release energy. Meaning both release energy
Energy released in nuclear reaction calc
Total binding energy of product minus total binding energy fo the reactants equals energy released
Be product take be reactant equals energy released
When does product have a higher binding curve
Reaction involves in energy released
