nuclear

Question 1

what is nuclear fission?

Answer 1

the splitting of an atom which releases energy

Question 2

describe what happens in nuclear fission

Answer 2

1. slow moving neutron absorbed by uranium-235 nucleus, nucleus splits
2. it spits out small number of neutrons hitting other u-235 nuclei causing chain reaction
3. when u-235 splits it forms 2 daughter nuclei
4. each nucleus splitting - lots of energy in kinetic energy stores of fission products
5. in reactor, energy is. transferred to thermal energy stores to produce steam to drive a turbine

Question 3

How do nuclear power plants work?

Answer 3

1. Thermal energy from core is used to heat water pumped through reactor
2. Heated water pumped to a ‘HEAT EXCHANGER’ where it turns to steam
3. Steam turns a turbine which turns a generator
4. Generator transfers kinetic energy to electrical energy

Question 4

what is nuclear fusion?

Answer 4

Two nuclei collide at high speed and join to create a larger, heavier nucleus

Question 5

conditions for fusion

Answer 5

1. very high temps and pressures to overcome strong forces of electrostatic repulsion
2. releases a lot of energy

Question 6

role of control rods

Answer 6

to control power of nuclear reactor by absorbing neutrons
- prevents neutrons from causing further fissions

Question 7

role of moderator

Answer 7

helps slow down neutrons produced by. fission to sustain. the chain reaction