Uses of radiation/ nuclear fusion and fission Flashcards
What is nuclear fission?
When a chain reaction is created by unstable isotopes absorbing neutrons
Releases a lot of energy and radiation
Stages of nuclear fission
A nucleus absorbs a neutron
This triggers the nucleus to split into 2 smaller nuclei, 2-3 neutrons and gamma radiation
These neutrons are absorbed by more nuclei to trigger fission again
This causes a chain reaction causing massive amount of energy due to the kinetic energy of the particles
What is nuclear fusion
When 2 light nuclei such as hydrogen join to form a heavier nucleus
The mass of the nuclei can be converted into energy which is released as radiation
You need a very high temperature for this which is why it happens in stars
Radiotherapy
Using ionising radiation to kill cancer cells
How does external radiotherapy work?
Gamma rays pass into the body and kill cancer cells
Problems with external radiotherapy
May destroy healthy tissue
How does internal radiotherapy work?
Inserting radioactive rods inside your body
Benefit of internal radiotherapy
Precisely targets cancer cells and doesn’t damage healthy cells
Uses of a controlled nuclear fission
In power plants to release massive amounts of energy for electricity
Uses of uncontrolled nuclear fission
To create explosions from nuclear weapons
Where does nuclear fusion take place?
In stars to release energy
Is nuclear fusion a chain reaction?
No, because the hydrogen that forms together doesn’t directly cause other hydrogen to form together
