Nuclear Physics Flashcards
What is fission
The splitting of a large, heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei. This releases a lot of energy
Neutrons are used to split the nucleus
What is a chain reaction
When each fission releases two or three further neutrons which can go on to cause more fissions
What is fusion
When 2 light nuclei are combined to make a larger nucleus. This releases even more energy than fission
How does a nuclear power station work
Nuclear reactions produce heat which boils water to make steam which turns a turbine which turns a generator, making electricity
What do control rods do
They control the rate of fission by absorbing excess neutrons
What does a graphite moderator do
Slows neutrons to ensure they are slow enough to cause fission
What do fuel rods do
Contain uranium fuel for fission
What does concrete casing / pressure vessel do
Designed to prevent radioactive waste/gases escaping
