Nuclear Engineering Flashcards
What are atoms made up of?
Protons, neutrons and electrons
What is nuclear fission?
When a (uranium) nucleus absorbs a neutron it becomes unstable and splits into 2 smaller neclei as well as a few neutrons
What happens in a chain reaction?
The neutrons produced in fission Hit other nuclei and the process repeats
How does a nuclear reactor work?
Uses uranium fuel and fission to heat water to make steam and drive turbines to make electricity. Control rods will absorb neutrons and stop the fission reaction
What is nuclear fusion?
The joining of 2 small nuclei to make a larger nucleus. This process drives the sun and stars. (Kinda like reverse fission?)
What is nuclear waste?
Radioactive atoms
Does fission or fusion produce more waste?
Fission, and it it much more difficult to manage
How do nuclear bombs work?
When fission is used uncontrollably to fuse an explosion OR heat fusion to super high temperatures to cause an explosion
What is einsteins equation?
E = mc2
Energy = mass x speed of light squared
What are some energy resources?
Oil, coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, tidal
What does einsteins equation mean?
A ,title bit of mass makes a huge amount of energy
What is a renewable resource?
Energy resources which can be replaced quite quickly or can never run out
What is some examples of renewable resources ?
Biomass, solar, wind or tidal
What is a non-renewable resource?
Energy resources which will run out. Once used it’s impossible to make more
