P7- nuclear fission Flashcards
What is nuclear fission?
when a large nucleus is split in to two smaller nuclei and energy is released
What does a nucleus release when it undergoes fission?
2-3 neutrons + energy
What is the difference between spontaneous fission and induced fission?
Spontaneous fission happen naturally and induced fission is started by hitting an unstable nucleus with a neutron?
Why can nuclear fission lead to a chain reaction?
Because fission reactions release 2-3 neutrons these neutrons can go on to start more fission reactions.
Describe three safety features inside a nuclear reactor to help control nuclear fission.
Control rods, absorb surplus neutrons. The reactor core is made thick steel and reinforced by thick concrete walls, Water in the reactor and cooling towers is used to keep reactions at a safe temperature.
