Fission

• What is the role of uranium in nuclear fission?

  It releases energy during the reaction
• What happens during nuclear fission?

  Atoms split to release energy
• How is energy released in nuclear fission?

  By splitting large atomic nuclei
• What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

  It is a series of fission events
• What is the first step in a chain reaction?

  A uranium atom is fired at a large nucleus
• What happens to the neutron in the first step of a chain reaction?

  It is absorbed by the nucleus
• What is the result of the neutron being absorbed?

  The atom becomes more unstable
• What occurs when U-236 splits?

  It forms two lighter elements
• What is released when U-236 splits?

  Energy and additional neutrons
• How can uranium atoms split into different pairs?

  By undergoing various fission reactions
• What is the significance of slow-moving neutrons?

  They are called thermal neutrons
• What is the role of the moderator in a nuclear reactor?

  It slows down neutrons for fission
• Why is careful control important in nuclear reactions?

  To prevent uncontrolled chain reactions
• What happens if neutrons move too slowly?

  They may not cause further fission
• What is the consequence of slow-moving neutrons in a reactor?

  They can be captured by uranium nuclei
• What is the purpose of fuel rods in a reactor?

  To contain uranium for fission reactions
• What are the steps involved in a chain reaction of nuclear fission?

  1. A uranium atom is fired at a nucleus.
  2. The neutron is absorbed by the nucleus.
  3. The atom becomes unstable and splits.
  4. Energy and additional neutrons are released.
  5. The released neutrons can cause further fission.
• What are the characteristics of thermal neutrons?

  • Slow-moving neutrons
  • More likely to cause fission
  • Can be captured by uranium nuclei
• What are the safety measures in nuclear reactors?

  • Careful control of reactions
  • Use of moderators to slow neutrons
  • Containment of fuel rods
• What are slow-moving neutrons called?

  Thermal neutrons
• Why are thermal neutrons significant in nuclear reactions?

  They can be captured by uranium nuclei
• How can thermal neutrons be slowed down in a reactor?

  By using moderator materials like graphite
• What role do control rods play in a nuclear reactor?

  They limit the rate of fission by absorbing neutrons
• What materials are often used for control rods?

  Boron or cadmium
• How do control rods affect the chain reaction in a reactor?

  They absorb excess neutrons to control the reaction
• What happens when the chain reaction is unchecked in a nuclear reactor?

  It can lead to a rapid release of energy
• What is the consequence of large amounts of energy being released in a reactor?

  It can cause an explosion if uncontrolled
• What is the steady rate of nuclear fission?

  It produces one new neutron per fission
• What happens if the chain reaction is left unchecked?

  It releases large amounts of energy quickly
• How is energy from fusion transferred in a nuclear reactor?

  It is transformed into thermal energy
• What is the role of thermal energy in a nuclear reactor?

  It is used to produce steam for turbines
• What is the purpose of the moderator in a nuclear reactor?

  To slow down fast-moving neutrons
• How does the energy from fusion affect the reactor's operation?

  It contributes to the thermal energy used
• What happens to the water in the reactor when it boils?

  It generates steam for energy production
• What is the consequence of energy being transferred to the kinetic energy store of steam?

  It increases the pressure to drive turbines
• What is the main function of nuclear power stations?

  To generate electricity through nuclear reactions
• How are nuclear reactors designed for safety?

  They are built to contain and control energy release
• What is a potential issue with nuclear reactors?

  They can release harmful radiation if damaged
• How do nuclear reactors manage energy release?

  By using control rods and moderators
• What are the key components of a nuclear reactor's operation?

  • Fuel rods containing uranium
  • Moderators to slow down neutrons
  • Control rods to absorb excess neutrons
  • Coolant to transfer heat
  • Containment structures for safety