Unit 2 - Fission and Fusion

Question 1

Describe the process of nuclear fission.

Answer 1

A neutron is absorbed by a uranium nucleus.This causes the nucleus to split, releasing energy and more neutrons.These neutrons go on to split MORE nuclei and release more energy (chain reaction)

Question 2

Give the name of a fuel used in nuclear power stations.

Answer 2

Uranium or plutonium

Question 3

How does nuclear fission produce a chain reaction?

Answer 3

As a uranium nucleus splits 2 or 3 neutrons are released. This is more than is absorbed. These can then go on and cause more uranium nuclei to split, releasing more energy. Even more neutrons are released which go on to split even more nuclei and so on!

Question 4

What is the job of control rods in a nuclear power station?

Answer 4

They absorb neutrons, slowing down the fission process and controlling the amount of energy released.

Question 5

Describe what happens to the nucleus of an atom during nuclear fission.

Answer 5

It gains a mass of 1 from the neutron absorbed, then it splits to form 2 smaller nuclei and releases 2 or 3 neutrons in the process.