PARTICLES AND WAVES - Nuclear fission

Question 1

Nuclear fission is …

Answer 1

the process of a heavy nucleus splitting to form two lighter nuclei.

Question 2

Nuclear fission is the process of a heavy nucleus splitting to form two lighter nuclei. What is this radioactive decay called

Answer 2

spontaneous fission

Question 3

What is induced fission

Answer 3

Fission can occur as the result of neutron bombardment. This is known as induced fission

Question 4

Induced fission takes place when …

Answer 4

a large nucleus absorbs a neutron

Question 5

Breakdown E=mc² in terms of nuclear fission

Answer 5

E - energy released in joules
m - mass defect in kg
c - speed light in a vacume

Question 6

describe mass defect

Answer 6

The total mass before fission is greater than the total mass after the fission process

Question 7

what is the loss of mass in fission accompanied by

Answer 7

an increase in energy

Question 8

Describe nuclear fission reactions

Answer 8

Nuclear fission reactions release large amounts of heat energy. A nuclear reactor provides a means of harnessing the fission reactions in order to produce new forms of more useful energy

Question 9

what is the process of the moderator

Answer 9

The moderator is used to slow down the neutrons so they are more likely to cause further fission

Question 10

what is the purpose of the control rods

Answer 10

to absorb neutrons to control the chain reaction

Question 11

what is the purpose of the coolant

Answer 11

is used to transfer the heat energy from the reactor to turn water into steam.

Question 12

What is the purpose of the steam produced from the coolant

Answer 12

is then used to drive electrical generators to produce electricity

Question 13

What are fusion reactors contained within and why

Answer 13

within reinforced concrete and lead to reduce the contamination of the surroundings