Nuclear Fission

• What is nuclear fission?

  Splitting of large unstable nuclei
• How does nuclear fission release energy?

  By splitting nuclei into smaller nuclei
• What are the two ways nuclear fission can occur?

  Spontaneously or by absorbing a neutron
• Why is spontaneous fission rare?

  It happens unforced and by itself
• What is used to start the fission process in reactors?

  Neutrons
• What are the smaller nuclei produced from fission called?

  Daughter nuclei
• What is released along with daughter nuclei during fission?

  Two or three more neutrons and energy
• What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

  First fission triggers more fissions
• What can happen if the fission process is not controlled?

  It can release huge amounts of energy
• What is used to control the rate of fission in reactors?

  Control rods
• How do control rods affect the fission reaction?

  They absorb neutrons to slow down the reaction
• What is the purpose of the energy released from fission?

  To heat water and turn it into steam
• What do steam turbines connected to generators do?

  Convert steam energy into electricity
• What are the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

  Pros:

  • Cheap uranium or plutonium fuel
  • Produces large, steady energy
  • Clean, no greenhouse gases

  
  

  Cons:

  • Expensive power plants
  • Costly nuclear waste disposal
  • Risk of major disasters
• Why is nuclear energy considered clean?

  It doesn't produce greenhouse gases
• What is a major risk associated with nuclear power plants?

  Malfunction leading to disasters
• What makes people suspicious of nuclear energy?

  Risk of major disasters from malfunctions
• What happens to nuclear waste?

  It must be buried in special bunkers