Nuclear fission Flashcards
1
Q
what is nuclear fission
A
the splitting of an atomic nucleus
2
Q
what are the substances in common use in nuclear reactors
A
uranium-235
plutonium-239
3
Q
what must happen for fission to occur
A
uranium-235 or plutonium-239 must first absorb an electron
4
Q
what happens to the nucleus under going fission
A
it splits into 2 releasing 2 or 3 neutrons and energy
5
Q
what happens to the neutrons released
A
they might start a chain reaction
6
Q
what do the majority of nuclear reactors use
A
uranium-235
