Chain reaction
A reaction whos products go on to induce further reactions.
Control rods
Boron rods which absorb excess neutrons following fission in order to avoid an uncontrollable chain reaction.
Fission
When a large unstable nucleus decays forming 2 lighter daughter nuclei, 3 neutrons and releases energy
Fuel rods
Rods of uranium or plutonium which are inserted into the core of a nuclear reactor to establish fission within the core.
Fusion
two light hydrogen nuclei join together to form a heavier helium nucleus and releases energy.
Generator
device used to generate electricity using the process of electromagnetic induction by turning a coil of wire in a magnetic field.
ITER
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
Moderator
Heavy water or graphite used to slow down the neutrons following nuclear fission in order for them to reach a slow enough speed to allow further fission to occur
Turbine
Device connected to a generator within a power station which is turned by the passage of steam through it causing the coil within the generator to likewise turn and cause electromagnetic induction.
What’s the equation Einstein made on which nuclear energy is based
E = mc 2
What is fission
When a nucleus with a large mass number splits into 2 nuclei which have smaller mass numbers.
What are usually released when fission takes place
Neutrons
What is fusion
A process in which 2 small nuclei combine to form a nucleus of larger mass number.
What are. E M and c in Einstein’s equation
E. = energy in joules.
M= mass in kilograms.
C= speed of light
What process is used in nucleur power stations to generate heat and produce steam.
Nuclear fission
What do the control rods do in a nucleur reactor
They control the rate of fission by absorbing excess neutrons.
What does a graphite moderator do in a nucleur reactor
Slows neutrons to ensure they are slow enough to cause fission.
What do fuel rods do in a nucleur reactor
Contain uranium fuel for fission.
What do concrete casing/ pressure vessels do in a nucleur reactor
Designed to prevent radioactive waste/gases escaping
How big was the fat man
1.5 meters long
How much plutonium was in the fat man
6.4kg plutonium
What does the fat man look like
