Heavy nuclei ( eg uranium) are forced to split into two lighter nuclei ( eg helium )
Nuclear fission occurs when a nucleus is struck by a slower neutron
Nuclear fission is the process by which a uranium nucleus absorbs a slower neutron and splits to produce two lighter nuclei and several neutrons, together with a vast quantity of energy
Disadvantages of nuclear fission
• fragments are almost always highly radioactive - can be extremely dangerous -
Favours of nuclear energy
• can produce vast amounts of energy
• produces very little CO2 - does not
contribute to global warming
• has a high density source of energy
• provides employment opportunities for many people
Against nuclear energy
•people are concerned about living close to nuclear power plants
• although nuclear fission does not release carbon dioxide the mining transport and purification of the uranium Ore release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Background radiation
Background activity is when no known radioactive sources are present
