Nuclear Fission + Fusion

• • [Nuclear FISSION] is the splitting up or LARGE and UNSTABLE Nuclei, into Smaller Nuclei

  This releases loads of ENERGY at the same time, which is how we get out Energy, here on Earth

  A) Energy

  
• Nuclear Fission can either happen SPONTANEOUSLY or by ABSORBING A NEUTRON

  A) unforced

  B) Itself

  C) Rare

  D) Nucleus

  E) Neutrons

  
• How Nuclear FISSION Works:

  • We fire a SLOW Moving Neutron at an Unstable Nuclei

  The Neutron fired at the Nucleus, makes it LESS Stable, which causes the Nucleus to Split Apart into Two SMALLER Nuclei (Daughter Nuclei)

  • This also releases 2 or 3 more Neutrons, and loads of ENERGY in the form of GAMMA Radiation

  --> The Neutrons that were Released may hit ANOTHER Unstable Nuclei, causing it to Split also, releasing more ENERGY and NEUTRONS, sparking a CHAIN REACTION

  A) Neutron

  B) Stable

  C) Energy

  D) Gamma

  E) Daughter

  
• Nuclear FISSION ---> [Nuclear Reactors]

  • Energy in the form of KINETIC Energy is given out when the Nuclei Split. In a Reactor, this energy is transferred to the THERMAL Energy Store, producing Steam which drives a TURBINE

  A) -

  
• [Nuclear Reactors] The rate of Fission has to be carefully CONTROLLED. Here's how:

  • The Moderator - is usually made up of Graphite or Water, which SLOWS DOWN the Neutrons

  Boron Control Rods - Limit the Rate of Fission, by ABSORBING Excess Neutrons

  • The Shielding - is made of Thick Concrete, which ABSORBS IONISING RADIATION from the Gamma Rays released

  CO2 Pump - transfers the energy to the Water in the Heat Exchanger

  • The Water turns to Steam, which turns a Turbine, which turns a Generator, which Generates ELECTRICITY

  A) Moderator

  B) Control Rod

  C) Heat Exchanger

  D) Steam