Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Energy (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards
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Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission
A large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy
Energy released per fission event
Energy released per fission event
About 200 MeV
Neutrons released per fission
Neutrons released per fission
2-3 neutrons
% of U-235 in natural uranium
% of U-235 in natural uranium
0.7%
Thermal neutrons
Thermal neutrons
Slow neutrons used to cause fission in U-235
Chain reaction (in nuclear fission)
Chain reaction (in nuclear fission)
Neutrons from fission trigger more fission events
Critical mass of U-235
Critical mass of U-235
About 10 kg
Moderator function in reactor
Moderator function in reactor
Slows fast neutrons to thermal neutrons
Control rods function
Control rods function
Absorb neutrons to control reaction rate
Nuclear fusion
Nuclear fusion
Two light nuclei join to form larger nucleus, releasing energy
Temperature needed for fusion
Temperature needed for fusion
Greater than K
Fusion fuel advantage
Fusion fuel advantage
Deuterium readily available in seawater
Fusion safety advantage
Fusion safety advantage
Stops immediately if conditions not maintained
Major nuclear accidents
Major nuclear accidents
Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011)
Nuclear power environmental benefit
Nuclear power environmental benefit
No carbon dioxide emissions