Unit 4 Nuclear Reactions
What happens when you shoot the cue ball into an area of densely packed pool balls? * they spread apart you “BREAK” the pack
Nuclear Fission The splitting of a nucleus into two (2) nuclei with smaller masses. * “fission” means to divide
Only large nuclei with atomic numbers above 90 can undergo nuclear fission.
What happens in nuclear fission? n + U Ba + Kr + 3n 1 Uranium atom 1 neutron 1 Barium atom 1 Krypton atom 3 neutrons
MASSIVE ENERGY RELEASE
Chain Reaction An ongoing series of fission reactions * Domino effect a mouse trap setting off more mouse traps
Splitting 1 uranium nucleus produces several million times more energy than reacting 1 molecule of dynamite.
Nuclear Fusion The combining of two nuclei with low masses to form one nucleus of greater mass. * “fusion” means to put together
Nuclear fusion is difficult to induce because extremely HIGH temperatures are required. * A.K.A. = thermonuclear reaction
Our Sun, and all stars, are fueled by nuclear fusion reactions. * hydrogen atoms combine to create helium
Why do you think the Sun can go through nuclear fusion? Extremely high temperatures in the Sun’s core.
Scientist are searching for a way to induce and control nuclear fusion. * WHY? unlimited supply of energy for electricity
THE END