Nuclear Power
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?- Created by: Nadia
- Created on: 22-12-12 16:19
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- Nuclear Power
- When there is an imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons cause the atomic nuclei to be unstable and emit radiation
- the number of proton and neutrons in an atom's nucleus (mass number)
- the number of protons is the atomic number
- the number of protons is the atomic number
- the number of proton and neutrons in an atom's nucleus (mass number)
- different isotopes of an element all have the same number of protons but different neutrons
- data about nuclear symbols can be used to produce and balance nuclear equations
- a sustainable chain reaction can be caused by: absorbing slow neutrons inducing fission of U-235 nuclei, releasing energy and emitting neutrons from this fission
- moderator material in nuclear reactor acts to slow down the fast-moving neutrons produced by the nuclear fission process so they can cause further fission
- control rods are neutron-absorbing rods that are move up and down to control the number of thermal neutrons inside the fuel rods
- most of the decay products of nuclear fission are radioactive, usually with very long half-lives
- so they have to be stored within the containment structure of nuclear reactors
- high energy collisions between light nuclei can result in fusion, releasing large amounts of energy
- especially isotopes of hydrogen
- Fusion requires very high temperatures to occur which are difficult to achieve and control
- other problems of containment of fusion and fission include neutron/ gamma shielding and pressure containment in fusion reactors
- When there is an imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons cause the atomic nuclei to be unstable and emit radiation
- different isotopes of an element all have the same number of protons but different neutrons
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