Nuclear Fission ad Fusion

Question 1

What is the definition of binding energy?

Answer 1

Binding energy is the energy required to separate protons/neutrons in a nucleus into individual constituents.

Question 2

What is atomic mass unit?

Answer 2

Atomic mass unit is defined as 1/12 of the mass of a carbon-12 atom (1u = 1.661x10^27).

Question 3

What is a mass defect?

Answer 3

When the mass of the constituents is greater than the mass of the nucleus.

Question 4

Why does a mass defect occur?

Answer 4

A mass defect occurs because energy is required for nucleons to join together so the lost mass is converted into energy and released

Question 5

What is Nuclear fission?

Answer 5

Fission is when:
- a large nucleus is split into 2 smaller daughter nuclei
- energy is released & mass is lost (binding energy)
- energy used to heat water

Question 6

What is nuclear fusion?

Answer 6

Nuclear fusion is when constituents join and produce a bigger nucleus.

Question 7

What are the conditions of nuclear fusion?

Answer 7

High temperature and high density
- Helps overcome electrostatic force of repulsion of the 2 positively charged nuclei

• High density
  Ensure nuclei are close together so increased rate of collision to maintain fusion reaction.

Question 8

How should you accurately calculate count rate?

Answer 8

• Calculate background radiation
• Subtract the value from measured count rate