Chapter 10 - Nuclear Energy Flashcards
What is the equation for the energy released in reactions?
Q=delta mc^2
What is binding energy?
The binding energy is the work that needs to be done to separate the nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons.
By what process do nuclei with a large mass release energy?
Nuclear fission
Which element has the highest binding energy per nucleon and what is its mass number?
Iron - 50
What would happen if a neutron fired at a nucleus in induced fission didn’t have enough kinetic energy?
It would be repelled so wouldn’t reach the nucleus.
What is induced fission?
A process where large nuclei are tickled by a thermal neutron and split into two smaller nuclei.
Why does nuclear fission release energy?
The fragments repel each other with enough force to overcome the strong nuclear force, so gain kinetic energy.
What is the highest possible binding energy of a nucleus per nucleon?
8.7 MeV
What would happen if a neutron fired at a nucleus in induced fission had too much kinetic energy?
It would pass through the nucleus.
What is nuclear decay?
A process in which an unstable nucleus splits randomly, releasing energy.
By what process do nuclei with a small mass release energy?
Nuclear fussion
