Nuclear Fission and energy (4.1) Flashcards
What is the Strong nuclear force
The force of attraction that is present within nucleons over short distances
What is nuclear fission
Is the spontaneous or induced splitting of a nucleus. Usually induced by bombarding neutrons
What is a fissile nucleus
A nucleus undergoing fission
Why are U-238 and Thorium-232 regarded as fissionable but non fissile
As they require a high energy neutron for fission
Slow moving neutrons are used in induced fission as they are easily absorbed by the nucleus (N.A)
Why is dangerous waste produced by nuclear fission reactors
Nuclear fission reactions result in the production of various radioactive isotopes. this is the dangerous waste.
Describe the forces that a neutron of an atom experiences
As it is neutral, it only experiences the strong nuclear force from other atoms
Which are fissile and non fissile
U-238, U-235, Plutonium-239 and Cobalt-60
Fissile -> U-235 and Plutonium-239
Non fissile -> Cobalt-60 and U-238
