Fusion & Fission Flashcards
1
Q
what is nuclear fission?
A
the splitting of a nucleus into two smaller nuclei by firing a high energy neutron into it
2
Q
what is the result of nuclear fission?
A
usually releases two or three more neutrons starting a chain reaction = explosion
3
Q
what is nuclear fusion?
A
the joining together of two atomic nuclei to form a larger one, no other products are formed so a chain reaction is not as present
4
Q
How do stars create light?
A
fusion releases a lot more energy per kilogram of fuel than fission
5
Q
What are the conditions?
A
very extreme: incredibly high temperatures and pressure
