Nuclear Fission and Energy | GCSE Physics Practice
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large, unstable nucleus into smaller fragments, releasing vast amounts of energy.
What particle is used to trigger nuclear fission?
What is Nuclear Fission and Energy | Practice?
"A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy."
Which type of radiation is stopped by a single sheet of paper?
Niels Bohr changed the atomic model by suggesting that electrons ____.
Which type of radiation is an electromagnetic wave?
What is the definition of half-life?
Splitting Atoms
Trigger: A slow-moving neutron is absorbed by a nucleus (e.g. Uranium-235).
Products: Two smaller nuclei (daughter nuclei), 2-3 neutrons, and gamma rays.
Energy: The kinetic energy of the products is used to heat water and drive turbines.
Chain Reaction: The released neutrons can trigger more fission events.
Key Term: If the chain reaction isn't controlled, it can lead to a massive release of energy, like in a nuclear weapon.
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