Nuclear Fission Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the chain reaction of nuclear fission
A
I. Slow moving neutron is fired at an isotope of uranium (Uranium 235). The neutron is absorbed by the nucleus, making the atom unstable and causing it to split.
II. When the U235 atom splits it makes two new lighter elements (‘daughter nuclei’) and thermal (heat) energy is released.
III. Another neutron is shot out and the entire process repeats
2
Q
What is nuclear fission?
A
Nuclear fission is a type of nuclear reaction that is used to release energy from uranium (or plutonium) atoms
