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Physics > Fission > Flashcards

Fission Flashcards

1
Q

What happens during nuclear fission?

A
  • A heavy nucleus (uranium or plutonium) split
  • Into 2 similarly sized daughter nuclei
  • And a few neutrons
  • Releases large amounts of energy (kinetic)
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2
Q

How often does fission occur?

A

Rarely spontaneously

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3
Q

How does nuclear fission occur in a nuclear power station?

A

When a neutron hits a nucleus

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4
Q

What for of energy is released during fission?

A

Kinetic energy

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5
Q

What do control rods do?

A

Absorbs neutrons

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6
Q

What are control rods made of?

A

Boron

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7
Q

What does a moderator do?

A

Slows down neutrons and enables them to be absorbed by other nuclei

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8
Q

What is an example of a moderator?

A

Graphite or water

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9
Q

What does a coolant do?

A

Moves heat energy from fuel rods to heat exchange

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10
Q

Give an examples of a coolant?

A

Water

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11
Q

What does shielding do?

A

Absorbs dangerous radiation

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12
Q

Give an example of shielding?

A

Steel, concrete

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13
Q

What is a fuel rod?

A

Contains uranium for fission

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14
Q

What is the fuel in the fuel rod?

A

Uranium

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15
Q

What is the process of nuclear fission?

A
  • Nuclear reactor produce
  • Energy
  • Which is heated
  • Produces steam
  • Which drives the turbines
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16
Q

What issues would lead to irradiation?

A

Gap in shield

17
Q

What issues would lead to contamination?

A

Leak dust escaping

18
Q

What is an issue with decay products having a long half life?

A

Difficult to dispose of them

19
Q

How are decay products disposed of?

A
  • Must be stored for many years on site until safe to move
  • Need to be buried in a mine in very string safe containers which will not rust
20
Q

Why is shielding needed?

A

Due to highly radioactive waste, needs to be contained

21
Q

What are advantages of fission?

A
  • Produces no polluting gases
  • Does not contribute to global warming
  • Very low fuel costs
  • Low fuel quantity reduces mining and transportation effects on environment
  • High technology required benefits on other industries
  • Power station has a very long lifetime
22
Q

What are disadvantages of fission?

A
  • Waste is radioactive and safe disposal is very difficult and expensive
  • Local thermal pollution from wastewater affects marine life
  • Large-scale accidents can be catastrophic
  • Public perception of nuclear power is negative
  • Costs of building and safely decommission are very high
  • Cannot react quickly to changes in electricity demand

Physics (8 decks)

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