Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

GCSE Physics Unit 2 > Nuclear Decay And Nuclear Energy > Flashcards

Nuclear Decay And Nuclear Energy Flashcards

1
Q

What is a fissile nuclei?

A

A nuclei that will undergo fission when it absorbs a slow neutron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How is fission in a nuclei induced?

A

By absorption of slow neutrons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is an example of a fissile nuclei?

A

Uranium -
(235 )
235 ( U )
( 92 )

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What can the absorption of slow neutrons induce?

A

fission

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What happens when a nuclei is fissioned?

A

fast moving neutrons are emitted

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What can emission of neutrons from fission reactions lead to?

A

a sustainable chain reaction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

When are slow neutrons captured by the heavy U-235 nuclei?

A

During collisions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the role of the moderator in a nuclear fission reactor?

A

The moderator slows down fast moving neutrons to enable absorption by U-235 nuclei to occur.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the role of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

A

They are arranged to absorb neutrons so that for every 2 or 3 neutrons that are released from a fission reaction, only one (on average) goes on to produce further fission.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the effect of raising the control rods in a nuclear fission reactor?

A

Fewer neutrons are absorbed so the rate of reaction increases (and more heat is produced)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the effect of lowering the control rods in a nuclear fission reactor?

A

More neutrons are absorbed so the reaction slows down (and cools down)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the effect of lowering the control rods fully in a nuclear fission reactor?

A

The reactor is completely shut down

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Are nuclear fission products radioactive?

A

Yes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What can high energy collisions between light nuclei result in?

A

Fusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What does fusion of nuclei release?

A

Energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

When does fusion occur?

A

When high energy collisions take place between light nuclei. E.g. the isotopes of hydrogen; deuterium and tritium.

17
Q

What are examples of nuclei in which fusion can occur?

A

The isotopes of hydrogen:
- deuterium ( 2 )
( H )
( 1 )
- tritium ( 3 )
( H )
( 1 )

18
Q

Why are high energy nuclei required for nuclear fusion?

A

Mutual repulsion of nuclei occurs (as they are both positively charged)

19
Q

What are the conditions required for nuclear fusion to take place? (2)

A
  • very high temperature
  • very high pressure
20
Q

Where does nuclear fusion take place naturally?

A

In stars

21
Q

What is the nuclear symbol for a neutron?

A

( 1 )
( n )
( 0 )

22
Q

Do the proton and nucleon number change or stay the same on both sides of a nuclear equation?

A

stay the same (in total)

23
Q

What are the problems of containment in fission reactors? (2)

A
  • neutron and gamma shielding
  • pressure containment
24
Q

What are the problems of containment in fusion reactors?

A
  • maintaining a high temperature

GCSE Physics Unit 2 (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions