P2 - Nuclear Flashcards
What are isotopes?
Atoms with a different number of neutrons, which are otherwise identical
What does the atomic number tell you?
The number of protons
Define half-life
Time taken for half of the nuclei of a radioactive element to decay and emit radiation
Give two examples of nuclear fuels
Plutonium and Uranium 235
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of nuclei to form smaller nuclei (using chain reactions)
How are the chain reactions in nuclear fission controlled?
Using control rods which absorb neutrons
Where does background radiation come from?
Medical equipment, nuclear weapons, rocks, radon gas, buildings, food, cosmic rays
What is nuclear fusion?
The joining of small nuclei to make larger nuclei
Where do heavy elements come from?
They are made in supernova and are spread across the universe when it explodes
