Nuclear Fission

• What is nuclear fission?

  Splitting of large unstable nuclei
• What happens during nuclear fission?

  It releases energy and smaller nuclei
• How many ways can nuclear fission occur?

  Two ways
• What are the two ways nuclear fission can occur?

  Spontaneously or by absorbing a neutron
• Is spontaneous fission common?

  No, it is rare
• What is required to start fission in nuclear reactors?

  Neutrons are needed to start the process
• What happens when a neutron is added to a uranium-235 nucleus?

  It becomes less stable and splits
• What are the smaller nuclei produced in fission called?

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

  Two or three more neutrons and energy
• How does a chain reaction occur in nuclear fission?

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

  It can lead to a nuclear explosion
• What is used to control the rate of fission in reactors?

  Control rods
• How do control rods work in a nuclear reactor?

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

  To heat water and produce steam
• What do steam turbines connected to generators do?

  They 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 to build power plants
  • Costly nuclear waste disposal
  • Risk of major disasters
• What is a major risk associated with nuclear power plants?

  Malfunction leading to disasters
• Why do some people distrust nuclear energy?

  Due to the risk of major disasters
• What type of radiation is released during nuclear fission?

  Gamma radiation
• What is the role of neutrons in the fission process?

  They initiate and sustain the chain reaction
• How does the addition of a neutron affect a uranium nucleus?

  It makes the nucleus less stable