Module 6 - 6.4.4 Nuclear Fission and Fusion Flashcards

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1
Q

When there is a decrease in the mass of a system

A

an amount of energy equivalent to the change in mass is released

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2
Q

In annihilation reactions

A

the mass of the matter and antimatter disappear and a large amount of energy is released as photons of em radiation

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3
Q

Mass Defect (definition)

A

The difference in mass between the mass of a nucleus and the total mass of its separate nucleons

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4
Q

Binding Energy (definition)

A

The minimum energy required to separate the nucleus into its protons and neutrons

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5
Q

The greater the binding energy per nucleon

A

the more stable the nucleus will be

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6
Q

In a fission reaction (3)

A
  • Unstable nuclei absorb slow moving neutrons
  • to slip into smaller nuclei and a small number of neutrons
  • to release energy and increase their stability
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7
Q

In a nuclear power station (fission)

A

The energy released heats water into steam
which turns a generator to produce electricity

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8
Q

Chain Reactions

A

If one of the neutrons released by a fission reaction, it can induce a further fission reaction causing a chain reaction

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9
Q

Fission Reactors Contain (2)

A

Control Rods
- absorb neutrons to reduce the number of chain reactions
- done through moving the rods in and out of reactor

Moderator
- a neutron will only cause a fission reaction if travelling at the correct speed
- neutrons must be slowed down by a moderator in order to be absorbed

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10
Q

Nuclear Waste (definition)

A

A radioactive material that is no longer useful

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10
Q

Nuclear Waste Precautions (2)

A
  • nuclear waste must be stored securely in shielded containers until no longer radioactive
  • exposure to ionising radiation above the background level can cause harm to plant and animal life
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11
Q

Fusion occurs when

A

nuclei of lighter elements fuse to increase their stability, producing heavier nuclei

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12
Q

Fusion and Binding Energy

A
  • the resulting nuclei have a binding energy greater than that of the combined energy of the individual nuclei that fused
  • the difference in binding energy is released as the kinetic energy of the resulting particles and as photons
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13
Q

Advantages of using fusion for power production (2)

A
  • no radioactive waste products
  • there is a virtually unlimited supply of the raw materials
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14
Q

Problem with Fusion

A
  • extremely high temperatures need to be maintained
  • as energy needs to be supplied for fusion to occur in the first place
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