Controlling Fission Flashcards
1
Q
If fission reaction are not controlled what can occur?
A
Chain reactions
2
Q
What are chain reactions?
A
Fission neutrons being absorbed by more fissionable nuclei leading to huge amounts of energy being released.
3
Q
Uncontrolled chain reactions are the principle behind what?
A
Nuclear weapons
4
Q
A
5
Q
What is the role of control rods?
A
- absorb fission neutrons
- control the rate of chain reactions
6
Q
What is the role of containment buildings?
A
- prevents irradiation of the surroundings
7
Q
What is the role of the reactor vessel?
A
- made of thick steel to withstand high temperatures and pressure reached during fission reactions
8
Q
What is nuclear fusion?
A
- 2 light nuclei join to form a heavier nucleus
- some of the mass of the smaller nuclei is converted to the energy of the radiation in the process
