7cFission and fusion

Syllabus objectives

• 7.17know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy
• 7.18understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) by collision with a neutron and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission products
• 7.19know that the fission of U-235 produces two radioactive daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons
• 7.20describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other U-235 nuclei
• 7.21describe the role played by the control rods and moderator in the fission process
• 7.22understand the role of shielding around a nuclear reactor
• 7.23explain the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission
• 7.24describe nuclear fusion as the creation of larger nuclei resulting in a loss of mass from smaller nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy
• 7.25know that fusion is the energy source for stars
• 7.26explain why nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures and pressures, due to electrostatic repulsion of protons