Fission And Fusion Flashcards

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1
Q

What do nuclear power stations use as energy source

How

A

Uranium produces heat energy in reactor,
Controlled chain reaction (Fission)
Heat creates steam from water
Steam turns turbine
Turbine turns generator to produce electricity

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2
Q

How does the uranium release heat energy in a nuclear reaction (fission)

A

Absorbing a neutron causes uranium atom to split

This releases heat energy and more neutrons
The neutrons cause more uranium nuclei to split
Chain reaction continues

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3
Q

When using uranium in small scale fission, what atoms are formed

A

Barium nucleus and krypton nucleus

These are radioactive (waste)

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4
Q

In large scale fission what is a nuclear bomb

A

Chain reaction that has gone out of control
Results in one powerful burst of energy (in heat)
There are many billions of reactions per second

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5
Q

What is fusion

A

Two small atomic nuclei joining together (fusing) to form larger ones

Releases lots of energy

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6
Q

What condition is needed for fusion

A

Very high temperatures

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7
Q

Why is fusion suitable for use for energy for the future

A

Produces less pollution than a fission reactor

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8
Q

Why is fusion unsuitable for use for energy for the future

A

Needs very high temperature so is very costly
More energy is used to create needed temperatures and pressures than is obtained so is inefficient
Components of power stations could get too hot, causing safety issues

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9
Q

Explain cold fusion

A

Two scientists thought they had managed to get fusion to work at room temperature

It is not accepted as no one else has managed this

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10
Q

How are H bombs made

Reactions

A

By fusion

However it is often difficult to obtain high temperatures needed so a fission bomb is used to start the fusion reaction

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11
Q

What do conventional power stations use for fuels

A

Fossil fuels ie. Coal, oil,gas

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