Nuclear Fusion And Nuclear Power Flashcards
what is nuclear fusion the opposite of
nuclear fission
what happens in nuclear fusion
- two light nuclei collide at high speeds
- and join or fuse to create a larger and heavier nucleus
what does the fusion of hydrogen nuclei create
a helium nucleus
how does the mass of the new nucleus change that had been created by fusion
- the mass of the larger nucleus is actually less than the mass of the two smaller nuclei combined
- this is because some of the mass is converted into energy
- which is then released as radiation
- we dont need to know how the mass turns into energy
what conditions does fusion have to take place in in order for it to occur
- there nee to be really high temperatures of about 10,000,000C
- and really high pressures
why does nuclear fusion have to take place in such extreme temperatures
- fusion of hydrogen nuclei is the easiest way to successfully achieve nuclear fusion
- but a hydrogen nucleus simply consists of one proton or with a neutron
- so when the positively charged nuclei get close
- strong forces of electrostatic repulsion occur and have to be overcome
why is hard to create the right conditions for nuclear fusion
- no material that we know of can withstand such high temperatures without vaporising or melting
- so fusion reactors are really hard and expensive to build
why are there no fusion reactors around at the moment generating electricity or converting it into useful energy yet
- because it takes up more power getting up to the needed temperature and pressure in order for the reaction to occur
- than what is actually released and can be harvested from the reaction itself
- so we are using more energy than we are getting out, meaning there is nothing to really convert into electricity and distribute
why do some people have a negative opinion on nuclear energy
- it is seen to be very dangerous
- some worry that nuclear waste cant be disposed of safely
why do people think that nuclear waste cant be disposed of safely
- the waste products from nuclear fission have long half lives
- meaning they will be radioactive for several thousands years at least
- so there is always a danger that it could leak out and pollute the land in this time span
what are two real examples of nuclear power stations turning into a disaster
- Chernobyl
- and Fukushima
- nuclear meltdowns in the area rendered the cities inhabitable
what is an advantage of nuclear power in terms of energy prolongation
- it is a very reliable energy resource
- and reduces the need for fossil fuels which are running out
what is an advantage of nuclear power in terms of eco-friendliness
- fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when they are burnt
- this adds to the greenhouse effect and global warming
- burning coal and oil also release sulfur dioxide that causes acid rain
- but nuclear power doesnt release these gases, so it is cleaner in that respect
what is an advantage of nuclear power in terms of energy efficiency and access
- huge amounts of energy can be generated from relatively small amounts of material
- nuclear fuel like the uranium is cheap and readily available
why can nuclear power be seen as being expensive
- the overall cost of nuclear power is high
- due to the initial cost of the power plant and decommissioning
- dismantling the nuclear plant safely takes decades
