Topic 4 - atomic structure ( 8. nuclear fission and fusion )

Question 1

what is nuclear fission

Answer 1

type of nuclear reaction that is used to release energy from large and unstable atoms (uranium and plutonium) by splitting into smaller atoms.

Question 2

how does nuclear fission work

Answer 2

nucleus has to absorb a neutron. then it splits and 2 new lighter elements that are roughly the same size. 2 or 3 neutrons are released and some energy from their kinetic energy stores is released. the neutrons that were released are then absorbed again and the whole process repeats again.

Question 3

what is nuclear fusion

Answer 3

2 light nuclei collide at high speed and fuse to create larger nuclei. then this energy is converted to radiation.