1. Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Chapter 40

2. Nuclear Fission The splitting of atomic nuclei
Occurs when an atom absorbs a neutron and is elongated so that the electrical forces overcome the strong force causing the nucleus to split

3. Nuclear Fission continued…
During nuclear fission, when the nucleus splits, large amounts of energy are released.
One neutron starts the reaction, and several neutrons are produced

4. The neutrons that are produced can each cause the fissioning of other nuclei causing a chain reaction to occur.

5. Example of Nuclear Fission:
If a chain reaction, occurs large amounts of energy can be produced quickly, causing an explosion.
Example of Nuclear Fission:
Atomic Bomb

6. Drawback to nuclear fission:
Radioactive biproducts
Require special storage and procedures
Harmful to humans and other organisms

7. How are such large amounts of energy produced from such small amounts of atoms?
The mass of the atom stores energy which can be released if and when the mass decreases (when the atom is split)
The amount of energy produced is:
E=mc2
E= energy produced
m= mass difference between original atom and product
c= speed of light (3.0 x 108)

8. Nuclear Fusion Energy is produced by lighter nuclei fusing together
Happens only when nuclei collide at very high speeds (required to overcome electrical repulsion)

9. The required speeds for nuclear fusion to occur, happen only at extremely high temperatures found in the center of the sun and other stars

10. Fusion would be a safe and non-polluting source of large amounts of energy if the technology can be improved.