Nuclear Fission Flashcard

Front

In nuclear fission, the daughter nuclei are _______ stable than the parent nuclide.

Back

more

Front

Nuclear fission occurs when a nucleus -

Back

splits and releases energy.

Front

Fusion and fission are both able to create energy due to the fact that they -

Back

release mass.

Front

Why do most nuclei need to absorb a neutron before undergoing nuclear fission?

Back

Because nuclear fission rarely occurs spontaneously; absorbing a neutron makes the nucleus unstable, causing fission to occur.

Front

The chain reaction results from the fission process -

Back

producing neutrons that can then strike and split neighboring nuclei creating a reaction that releases energy due to a change in mass of the original atom.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is a neutron's role in nuclear fission?

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A neutron initiates the fission process by being absorbed by a nucleus, making it unstable.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

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Nuclear fission splits heavy nuclei into lighter ones, while nuclear fusion combines light nuclei to form heavier ones.

Front

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Back

A chain reaction occurs when the products of one fission event cause further fission events, leading to a rapid release of energy.

Front

What is critical mass in nuclear fission?

Back

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.