Nuclear Physics

Question 1

What is nuclear fission?

Answer 1

Fission is the splitting of a large, heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei. This releases a lot of energy and creates a chain reaction as each fission realises two or three further neutrons which go on and cause more fissions.

Question 2

What is nuclear fusion

Answer 2

Fusion occurs when 2 light nuclei are combined to make a larger nucleus. This releases even more energy than fission. These are usually two hydrogen nuclei that forms a larger helium nucleus.

Question 3

How does nuclear power work?

Answer 3

It’s a nuclear reaction which produces heat which boils water to make steam which turns turbines which turns a generator which make electricity.

Question 4

What was the Manhattan project?

Answer 4

The largest collaboration between the military and scientists to work on nuclear physics

Question 5

What did Einstein discover?

Answer 5

E=mc ²