nuclear reactions Flashcards
What is a nuclear reaction?
A process that involves changes to the nucleus of atoms, resulting in the gain or loss of protons, neutrons, electrons, and/or gamma rays.
Unlike chemical reactions, nuclear reactions involve significant changes in mass and energy.
Define nuclear fission.
The splitting of one heavy nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, sub-atomic particles, and energy.
This process releases a large amount of energy.
Define nuclear fusion.
The combining of nuclei into one product.
This process also involves extremely large amounts of energy.
What are the characteristics of a fission reaction?
Involves the splitting of an unstable heavy nucleus, releases neutrons and energy.
The heavy nucleus is usually unstable due to the repulsion of many positive protons.
What is the primary source of nuclear energy used to produce power?
Nuclear fission.
Fission reactions release large amounts of energy that can be harnessed for power generation.
What must be true for nuclear equations?
Mass and charges must be equal on both sides of the equation.
This ensures the conservation of mass and charge in nuclear reactions.
What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
A process where one fission event causes additional fission events.
This can lead to a self-sustaining series of reactions.
Fill in the blank: Nuclear reactions are different than _______ reactions.
chemical
Chemical reactions do not involve changes to the nucleus.
How do scientists typically initiate a nuclear fission reaction?
By smashing nuclei with alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to make them unstable.
This instability is necessary for the fission process to occur.
True or False: In a nuclear reaction, only electrons are involved.
False.
Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus, including protons and neutrons.
What is released during a fission reaction?
Neutrons, energy and many small nuclei
The release of neutrons can initiate further fission reactions.
Fill in the blank: A heavy nucleus is usually _______ due to many positive protons pushing apart.
unstable
This instability is a key factor in the occurrence of fission.
What transformation occurs during nuclear energy generation?
Energy transformation occurs from nuclear to thermal energy to mechanical energy to electrical energy.
What is easier to crash into a nucleus to release energy?
A neutral neutron.
What principle do most nuclear fission reactors and weapons utilize?
The principle of using neutrons to induce fission.
What happens once the nuclear fission reaction has started?
It can keep going as released neutrons trigger more reactions.
What can happen if a chain reaction gets out of control?
It can result in a violent nuclear explosion.
What systems do nuclear reactors have to ensure safety?
Complex systems to control the chain reaction.
What materials are used to help control the chain reaction?
Materials that can absorb neutrons.
How do nuclear bombs utilize chain reactions?
They take advantage of uncontrolled chain reactions.
What is the role of coolant in a nuclear reactor?
It circulates to remove heat from the reactor core.
What does the coolant in a nuclear reactor produce?
Steam that turns electricity-generating turbines.
Fill in the blank: Nuclear energy generation is ‘Clean’ in terms of not producing _______.
greenhouse gases.
What is a major issue with hazardous nuclear waste?
Many products are very radioactive and must be stored away from living things.
Where is most hazardous nuclear waste stored?
Buried underground or stored in concrete.
How long can it take for nuclear waste to become safe?
Up to 20 half-lives, which can be thousands of years.
True or False: Most containers for nuclear waste will remain intact longer than the waste is hazardous.
False.
What is nuclear fusion?
Joining of two light nuclei into one heavier nucleus.
What conditions are required for nuclear fusion to occur?
Tremendous heat and pressure.
Where do natural conditions for nuclear fusion exist?
In stars, like the core of the Sun.
What is formed when two hydrogen nuclei join together?
A helium nucleus.
What is released when a helium atom is formed through nuclear fusion?
Huge amounts of energy.
What must be equal on both sides of a nuclear equation?
Mass numbers and charges.
True or False: The rules for writing fusion equations differ from earlier nuclear equations.
False.
What are the types of nuclear equations mentioned?
Alpha, beta, gamma.
