1. NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
Unit 1 Notes

2. Introduction: Nuclear Power

3. 2 Types of Nuclear Reactions:
FUSION
FISSION

4. FISSION When an atom’s nucleus splits apart
Always releases lots of energy
Can be forced by “firing” a neutron at the atom
Also occurs in nature on its own
(Ex. Uranium)

5. FISSION
Chain nuclear fission reaction allow Nuclear Power Plants and nuclear weapons (the atom bomb) to work
To the right is the atomic bomb, which operates on uncontrolled nuclear fission chain reactions

6. FISSION EXAMPLE

7. FISSION EXAMPLE

8. NUCLEAR FUSION When 2+ atoms (small) fuse together
Always releases lots of energy
Also known as thermonuclear reactions

9. NUCLEAR FUSION
Nuclear fusion is how the sun and all other stars create the energy we receive as light and heat

10. FUSION EXAMPLE

11. FUSION EXAMPLE
This reaction is responsible for creating elements larger than hydrogen

12. FUSION or FISSION?