Nuclear Energy

oooo

oooo

oooo

oooo

Atoms
The atom comprises three particles:
electrons (-), protons (+) and neutrons.
o

• energy that is given out by atoms at high speed is called radiation – two main forms; electromagnetic radiation and atomic particles.
  o

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

neutron – strikes the nucleus and is absorbed.

incident neutron – the nucleus absorbed causes the nucleus to undergo deformation. In around 10-14 seconds, one of the deformations is so drastic that the nucleus cannot recover.

splitting of nucleus – the nucleus fissions, releasing an average of two to three neutrons.

fission nucleus – in around 10-12 seconds, the fission fragments lose their kinetic energy and come to rest, emitting a number of gamma rays. Now the fragments are called fission products.

incident neutrons – the fission products lose their excess energy by radioactive decay, emitting particles over a lengthy time period (seconds to years).

other more fission product – the course of a chain reaction is determined by the probability that a neutron released in fission will cause a subsequent fission.

Nuclear Power Plant

oooo
oooo

oooo

• nuclear fission takes place inside the reactor of a nuclear power plant.
  o
• nuclear power plants heat water to produce steam.
  o
• nuclear power plants use heat produced during nuclear fission to heat water.
  o

BSL Version

oooo

Atoms
The atom comprises three particles:
electrons (-), protons (+) and neutrons.

oooo

oooo

oooo

• every star in the universe – it can be released either by nuclear fusion or nuclear fission.
  o
• the energy that holds the nucleus of every atom together is called nuclear energy.
  o
• nuclear energy fuels nuclear power stations, and every star in the universe – it can be released either by fission or fusion.
  o
• energy that is given out by atoms at high speed is called radiation – two main forms; electromagnetic radiation and atomic particles.
  o
• nuclei – usually only tiny nuclei, such as those of hydrogen and helium, fuse (join); only under extreme pressure in huge, exploding stars do big nuclei – such as those of iron.
  o
• nuclear fission – it happens when nuclear energy is released by the splitting of nuclei; this method used in most power stations and in atomic bombs – involves splitting big nuclei; such as Uranium-235 and plutonium.
  o
• when a nucleus splits, it gives out gamma rays, neutrons (see atom) and intense heat.
  o
• in an atomic bomb – the energy is released in one second!
  o
• in a power station – control rods ensure that nuclear reactions are slowed down to release energy gradually.
  
  o
  o

oooo

oooo

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

oooo

mankind: Hiroshima bomb at Japan – released 84 trillion joules of energy.

o