Nuclear fission and fusion Flashcards

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1
Q

What is nuclear fission

A

the splitting up of large and unstable nuclei into smaller nuclei

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2
Q

What is nuclear fusion

A

The fusion of two light nuclei to make one heavy nuclei

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3
Q

Why is nuclear energy good

A

Cheap to run + No GHG

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4
Q

Why is nuclear energy bad

A

Expensive to set up, Waste is expensive to get rid of, Nuclear disaster

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5
Q

How does nuclear fission work

A

A nucleus is fired into the nuclei of uranium 235, this causes it to split into two smaller nuclei, also releasing neutrons and lota of gamma rays/energy this is then repeated causing a chain reaction

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6
Q

How are the gamma rays converted into electricity

A

gamma rays heat up water which is then turned into steam, which drives turbines gathering electricity

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7
Q

What are the two ways nuclear fission can have

A

Spontaneously and by absorbing a neutron

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8
Q

Compare the conditions needed for nuclear fusion and fission

A

The conditions for Fission are very easy to make
Where as fusion needs an extremely high temperature and an extremely high pressure

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9
Q

What are control rods and what are there use

A

They can be used to slow down or completely stop a reaction by absorbing neutrons released from nuclear fission.

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10
Q

What does a moderator do

A

A moderator is a material used in a nuclear reactor to slow down the neutrons produced from fission.

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