Nuclear Energy Flashcards
1
Q
How does nuclear fission work?
A
Inside the reactor neutrons are hurled at high speeds at the nuclei of uranium atoms. This causes the uranium atom
to divide into two new nuclei and release heat energy. Excess released neutrons
are absorbed by control rods.
2
Q
How is uranium used to make electricity in a nuclear power plant?
A
The heat produced from splitting uranium atoms is used to boil water; the steam is used to turn a turbine, which
turns a generator, which generates electricity
3
Q
Safety issue w/ nuclear fission
A
highly reactive radioactive waste,
4
Q
How does nuclear fusion work?
A
we fuse small atoms (hydrogen) into larger atoms
to generate electricity
