PS1.C Flashcard

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What is released during a nuclear fission reaction?

Back

Energy and smaller nuclei are released during a nuclear fission reaction.

Front

What defines the identity of an element?

Back

The identity of an element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

Why is nuclear fusion difficult to achieve on Earth?

Back

Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the repulsive forces between positively charged nuclei.

Front

What force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus?

Back

The strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.

Front

What is half-life in nuclear physics?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is the difference between fusion and fission?

Back

Fusion combines light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while fission splits a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei.

Front

What are the products of nuclear fission?

Back

The products of nuclear fission include smaller nuclei, free neutrons, and a large amount of energy.