| Reaction where a large unstable nucleus splits into 2 smaller "daughter" nuclei and 2 or 3 neutrons. | Nuclear Fission |
| What is nuclear fission? | Nuclear fission is a reaction where a large unstable nucleus splits into 2 smaller "daughter" nuclei and 2 or 3 neutrons. |
| Example of an element with nuclei that can undergo nuclear fission. | Uranium-235 |
| What is uranium-235's role in nuclear fission? | Uranium-235 is an example of an element with nuclei that can undergo nuclear fission. |
| Nuclear fission releases energy in the form of gamma rays and the kinetic energy of particles. | Energy Release |
| How does nuclear fission release energy? | Nuclear fission releases energy in the form of gamma rays and the kinetic energy of particles. |
| Process where a slow-moving neutron must be absorbed by a nucleus before nuclear fission can occur. | Neutron Absorption |
| What is neutron absorption in the context of nuclear fission? | Neutron absorption is the process where a slow-moving neutron must be absorbed before nuclear fission can occur. |
| Result of neutron absorption by a uranium nucleus, causing it to become unstable and split. | Uranium-236 |
| What is uranium-236 and how is it formed in nuclear fission? | Uranium-236 is formed when a uranium nucleus absorbs a neutron, becoming unstable and splitting. |
| Process where neutrons produced by fission hit other uranium-235 nuclei, causing more fission to occur. | Neutron Chain Reaction |
| What is a neutron chain reaction in nuclear fission? | A neutron chain reaction occurs when neutrons produced by fission hit other uranium-235 nuclei, causing more fission to occur. |
| Substance used in nuclear power plants to slow down neutrons to the correct speed for fission to occur. | Moderator |
| What is the role of a moderator in nuclear power plants? | In nuclear power plants, a moderator is used to slow down neutrons to the correct speed for fission to occur, potentially leading to a chain reaction. |
| If the nuclear fission chain reaction is not controlled, its speed increases rapidly, producing a huge amount of energy quickly, potentially leading to explosions. | Uncontrolled Chain Reaction |
| What happens if the nuclear fission chain reaction is not controlled? | An uncontrolled chain reaction increases rapidly, producing a huge amount of energy quickly, potentially leading to explosions. |
| Nuclear weapons operate based on an uncontrolled chain reaction, utilizing the rapid release of energy for destructive purposes. | Nuclear Weapons |
| How do nuclear weapons work? | Nuclear weapons operate based on an uncontrolled chain reaction, utilizing the rapid release of energy for destructive purposes. |
| In a nuclear power station, the chain reaction is carefully controlled to regulate the release of energy. | Controlled Chain Reaction |
| Neutrons absorbed by control rods cannot go on to cause more fission, slowing down the chain reaction and reducing energy production. | Neutron Absorption |
| What role do control rods play in controlling the chain reaction in a nuclear power station? | Control rods absorb neutrons, preventing them from causing more fission, which slows down the chain reaction and reduces energy production. |
| Devices lowered into the nuclear reactor to absorb neutrons, regulating the chain reaction and energy production. | Control Rods |
| What happens when control rods are raised in a nuclear reactor? | When control rods are raised, they absorb fewer neutrons, allowing the chain reaction to speed up and increasing energy production. |
| Products of nuclear fission are fast-moving, possessing significant kinetic energy. | Product Kinetic Energy |
| What is the kinetic energy of the products of nuclear fission? | The products of nuclear fission have significant kinetic energy due to their fast movement. |
| Kinetic energy from nuclear fission products is converted into thermal energy, heating a coolant. | Thermal Energy Conversion |
| How is the kinetic energy from nuclear fission products converted into usable energy? | The kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, heating a coolant. |
| Fluid used to transfer thermal energy from one place to another. | Coolant |
| What is a coolant in the context of nuclear power generation? | A coolant is a fluid used to transfer thermal energy from one place to another. |
| Device where hot coolant heats water and turns it into steam. | Heat Exchanger |
| How is steam produced in a nuclear power plant? | Hot coolant is used to heat water in a heat exchanger, turning it into steam. |
| Machine turned by steam to generate mechanical energy. | Turbine |
| What is the role of a turbine in nuclear power generation? | The turbine is turned by steam, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. |
| Device connected to a turbine, producing electricity. | Generator |
| How is electricity generated in a nuclear power plant? | The turbine, turned by steam, is connected to a generator that produces electricity. |
| What is done after the entire process of converting nuclear energy to electrical energy? | The steam and the coolant are both reused after they cool down. |
| The daughter nuclei produced by nuclear fission are radioactive, making them harmful. | Radioactive Products |
| Why are the daughter nuclei of nuclear fission considered harmful? | The daughter nuclei of nuclear fission are radioactive, making them harmful. |
| Radioactive products of nuclear fission remain radioactive for an extended period, requiring careful long-term storage. | Long-term Radioactivity |
| What is the significance of the long-term radioactivity of nuclear fission products? | Nuclear fission products remain radioactive for a very long time, necessitating careful long-term storage. |
