Chapter 15 Vocab Flashcards
Fusion
Joining together of to two light atoms into a heavier one.
Isotopes
a form of an element in which the atoms have more or less than the usual number of neutrons. Same chemical properties but differ in mass.
Mass Number
The number that accompanies the chemical name or symbol of an element or isotope. Represents the # of neutrons and protons in the atom
Fission Products
Atoms and subatomic particles resulting from nuclear fission taking place in nuclear reactors or explosion.
Chain Reaction
A nuclear reaction wherein each atom that splits causes one or more additional atoms to split or fission
Yellowcake
Uranium ore that has been partially purified and is ready for further purification and enrichment
Enrichment
The separation and concentration of uranium 235 so that it will sustain a chain reaction
Moderator
any material that slows down neutrons from fission reactions, so the neutrons can trigger another fission
Fuel elements
the Pellets of uranium or other fissionable material that are placed in fuel rods, and along with the control rods, form the core of the nuclear reactor
Control Rods
Rods of neutron absorbing material that are inserted or removed as necessary to control the rate of nuclear fission inside a reactor. form part of the core of a nuclear reactor
Boiling Water reactor
employs boiling water to create steam that turns turbines in generators to create electricity
Pressurized water reactor
one loop: water is heated in the reactor but does not boil,
second loop: pressurized water is circulated through a heat exchanger where it boils other unpressurized water that then produces steam to drive the turbogenerator
Loss of coolant Accident
situation which causes loss of water around the reactor resulting in overheating and possible meltdown
Meltdown
loss of water or coolant causes the nuclear reactor to melt from its own heat. and can cause problems to its surrounding areas by spreading radiation (chernobyl)
Radio isotopes
isotope of an element that is unstable and gives off radiation