Nuclear fission and fusion Flashcards
What is nuclear fission
the splitting up of large and unstable nuclei into smaller nuclei
What is nuclear fusion
The fusion of two light nuclei to make one heavy nuclei
Why is nuclear energy good
Cheap to run + No GHG
Why is nuclear energy bad
Expensive to set up, Waste is expensive to get rid of, Nuclear disaster
How does nuclear fission work
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
How are the gamma rays converted into electricity
gamma rays heat up water which is then turned into steam, which drives turbines gathering electricity
What are the two ways nuclear fission can have
Spontaneously and by absorbing a neutron
Compare the conditions needed for nuclear fusion and fission
The conditions for Fission are very easy to make
Where as fusion needs an extremely high temperature and an extremely high pressure
What are control rods and what are there use
They can be used to slow down or completely stop a reaction by absorbing neutrons released from nuclear fission.
What does a moderator do
A moderator is a material used in a nuclear reactor to slow down the neutrons produced from fission.