Fission and Fusion

Question 1

How do all elements form?

Answer 1

They fuse in the stars

Question 2

What is the heaviest element that is fused together before a supernova?

Answer 2

Iron

Question 3

What is the heaviest naturally occurring element?

Answer 3

Uranium

Question 4

What is fusion?

Answer 4

Two or more nuclei “fuse” together to form one heavier nucleus

Question 5

How much energy does fusion release?

Answer 5

3.4x10^(14) J/kg

Question 6

What is fission?

Answer 6

The nucleus of a heavy atoms splits into two or more smaller parts

Question 7

How much energy does fission release?

Answer 7

2.1x10^(12) J/kg

Question 8

What is a chain reaction?

Answer 8

A neutron strikes an unstable nucleus causing it to split and release more neutrons. These released neutrons strike surrounding unstable nuclei.

Question 9

What is nuclear energy used for?

Answer 9

Medicine, weapons, and power

Question 10

What is a half-life?

Answer 10

The time it takes for half of a substance to decay.

Question 11

What is one specific use of half-life?

Answer 11

Carbon dating