Physics P2 7.1 Nuclear fission.

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Created by: Atlanta and Jacob
Created on: 20-10-16 18:40

What is nuclear fission?

It is the splitting of a nucleus into two approximately equal fragments and the release of two or three neutrons.

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When does nuclear fission occur?

It occurs when a neutron hits a uranium-235 nucleus or a plutonium-239 nucleus and the nucleus splits.

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What are in common use in nuclear reactors?

There are two fissionable isotopes in common use in nuclear reactors, uranium-235 and plutonium-239 (the majority use uranium-235).

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What is uranium-238?

Naturally occurring uranium which is non-fissionable, most nuclear reactors use 'enriched' uranium that contains 2-3% uranium-235.

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What needs to happen to uranium-235 and plutonium-239 for fission to occur?

Their nucleus must absorb a neutron and then split into two smaller nuclei.

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What happens in the process of nuclear fission after the nucleus splits?

Two or three neutrons are emitted and energy is released, the energy released in such a nuclear process is much greater than the energy released in a chemical process such as burning.

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What happens when each fission event causes further fission events?

A chain reaction occurs, in a nuclear reactor the process is controlled so one fission neutron per fission on average goes on to produce further fission.

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What is enriched uranium?

Uranium that contains 2-3% uranium-235.

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What happens for fission to occur?

A nucleus absorbs a neutron.

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**MAKE SURE YOU CAN DRAW A SIMPLE DIAGRAM TO SHOW A CHAIN REACTION**

**LOOK UP DIAGRAMS OF A CHAIN REACTION AND A CHAIN REACTION IN A NUCLEAR REACTOR**

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

When does nuclear fission occur?

Back

It occurs when a neutron hits a uranium-235 nucleus or a plutonium-239 nucleus and the nucleus splits.

Card 3

Front

What are in common use in nuclear reactors?

Back

Card 4

Front

What is uranium-238?

Back

Card 5

Front

What needs to happen to uranium-235 and plutonium-239 for fission to occur?

Back

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Physics P2 7.1 Nuclear fission.