Nuclear fission and electrical energy
Electrical energy currently produced by nuclear reactors is
derived from the decay of 235 92U, through a process known as
nuclear fission, whereby a slow-moving neutron is captured
by the 235 92U nucleus, creating 236 92U. The uranium nucleus 236
92U is very unstable, and it will immediately decay into two
lighter elements and release neutrons. Some of the neutrons will go
on to destabilize other nuclei, creating a chain reaction. During
fission reactions the...
Explain (in detail) Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion, why is
one radioactive vs the other?What is the nuclear process in a
reactor (Fission, or fusion), and what kind of decays is it going
through (alpha, beta, or gamma)?What is Critical Mass in nuclear
physics?
A promising source of energy are nuclear fusion reactors (more
stable and with less radioactive products than fission reactors).
Their basic reaction is the fusion of two forms of heavy hydrogen
into helium and a neutron: d + t → 4He + n. The deuteron (d)
consists of a neutron (n) and a proton (p) bound by 2.2 MeV , the
triton (t) of 2 n’s and a p bound by 8.5 MeV , and 4He of 2 n’s and...
3. Currently, 20% of the US energy is generated using
nuclear reactors.
a. Briefly describe the fission process.
b. Describe how this is used to generate electricity for our
homes.
c. List the hazards associated with nuclear energy.
Nuclear fission reactors consist of three main components: the
fuel rods, control rods and the moderator. Draw a diagram of
typical reactor and give a brief description of each of the main
components. Why are fusion reactors considered ‘cleaner’ than
fission reactors?