P2 - Fission, Fusion and Stars Flashcards
0
Q
Name a nuclear fuel
A
Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239
1
Q
What is nuclear fission?
A
Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of an atom
2
Q
How do you control the reaction rate in a nuclear reactor?
A
Control rods
3
Q
What is a “chain reaction”?
A
A chain reaction is when the nuclear process keeps itself going. Neutrons produced from reactions go on to create more reactions.
4
Q
What is nuclear fusion?
A
Fusion is when two atoms fuse together to form a single one, releasing lots of energy.
5
Q
Describe a fusion process
A
Tritium fuses with deuterium to form helium and one neutron.
6
Q
What force starts fusion in stars?
A
Gravity
7
Q
Why is it hard to build a fusion reactor on earth?
A
The temperature required is very high and as such reactors at the moment use more energy than they produce.
