Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Question 1

Fission

Answer 1

Splitting up of atoms to make energy (usually uranium or plutonium)

Question 2

Fusion

Answer 2

The combining of atoms to make other elements and energy (not possible yet)

Question 3

Power plants

Answer 3

Use fission to heat water to drive turbines which become electricity through generators

Question 4

Fuel Rods

Answer 4

Made from uranium which the neutrons collide with

Question 5

Moderator

Answer 5

Graphite to slow the reaction

Question 6

Control Rods

Answer 6

Boron which absorbs neutrons to stop/slow the reaction

Question 7

Cooling System

Answer 7

Cool the reactors and transfer heat to boilers

Question 8

Containment Vessel

Answer 8

Thick concrete which shields and absorbs radiation and neutrons

Question 9

Life cycle

Answer 9

Exploration- mining- processing- enriching- fuel fabrication- reactor- interim storage

Question 10

Radioactive waste

Answer 10

Hard to get rid of because of very long half lives. (Concrete and steal boxes at the bottom of the ocean)

Question 11

Fusion vs Fission

Answer 11

Releases more energy per unit, less radioactive waste, harder to generate