Nuclear fission

• What is nuclear fission?

  Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large and unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei.
• What happens during nuclear fission?

  It releases a large amount of energy when a nucleus splits.
• How does nuclear fission occur?


  Nuclear fission can occur spontaneously or by absorbing a neutron.
• Why is spontaneous fission rare?

  Spontaneous fission is rare because it happens without external influence.
• What is the role of neutrons in nuclear reactors?


  Neutrons are used to initiate the fission process in nuclear reactors.
• What is the first step in the fission process using uranium-235?


  The first step is firing a relatively slow-moving neutron at the uranium-235 nucleus.
• What happens to the uranium-235 nucleus after a neutron is added?

  The nucleus becomes less stable and splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy and more neutrons.
• What are the smaller nuclei produced from fission called?


  The smaller nuclei produced are called daughter nuclei.
• What type of radiation is released during nuclear fission?


  Gamma radiation is released during nuclear fission.
• What is a chain reaction in the context of nuclear fission?

  A chain reaction occurs when the fission of one nucleus triggers the fission of others.
• What can happen if the fission process is not controlled properly?

  If uncontrolled, it can lead to a massive release of energy, similar to a nuclear bomb.
• How is the rate of fission controlled in nuclear reactors?


  The rate of fission is controlled by control rods that absorb neutrons.
• What is the purpose of the energy released from nuclear fission in reactors?

  The energy is used to heat water and turn it into steam to drive turbines for electricity generation.
• What are the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

  Pros:

  • Cheap uranium or plutonium fuel
  • Produces a large and steady amount of energy
  • Clean energy, no greenhouse gases

  
  

  Cons:

  • Expensive to build nuclear power plants
  • Nuclear waste disposal is costly and requires special bunkers
  • Risk of major disasters, though unlikely
• What is the environmental impact of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels?

  Nuclear energy does not produce greenhouse gases like fossil fuels.
• Why do people have suspicions about using nuclear energy?

  People are suspicious due to the risk of major disasters if a plant malfunctions.
• What is the main function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

  Control rods absorb neutrons to slow down the fission reaction.
• What is the role of turbines in a nuclear power plant?

  Turbines are driven by steam produced from the heat of nuclear fission to generate electricity.
• What is the role of the moderator In a nuclear reactor?

  The moderator (usually water) slows down neutrons by collisions so that they are moving slow enough to be

  absorbed by another uranium-235 nucleus.
• What is the role of the coolant in the nuclear reactor?


  A coolant (also water) is used to prevent the system from overheating by removing energy from the reactor
• What is the role of the reactor vessel and shielding in a nuclear reactor?


  The reactor core is a thick steel vessel which withstands the high pressures and temperatures and

  absorbs some of the radiation. The whole core is kept in reinforced concrete walls that act as radiation shields to absorb all of the

  radiation that escapes the reactor core.