NUCLEAR ENERGY

The atomic mass unit

Definition:

The unit of mass for atoms subatomic particles such as proton, neutron and electron. the carbon-12 atom (1.99265 x 10-26kg). 1u = 1/12 x 1.99265 x 10-26 kg = 1.66 x 10-27 kg

and the

1 atomic mass unit or 1 u is of the mass of

Nuclear Fission
Definition :

The splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei.

Fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom is

bombarded with a neutron. The energy of the neutron causes the target nucleus to split into two (or more) nuclei that are lighter than the parent nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy during the process.

Nuclear Fission
Example :
2351 92

U+ n
1 0

141 56

Ba + Kr + 3 n
92 36 1 0

Difference between nuclear fission and radioactive decay

The nucleus is divided into 2 large fragments of

roughly equal mass. There is a significant mass defect Other neutrons are emitted in the process

Chain Reaction
Definition :

A self-sustaining reaction in which the product of a reaction can initiate another similar reaction.

Chain Reaction Process

In the fission reactions, one neutron starts the fission process, but three neutrons are

produced.

If

one of these neutrons bombards another uranium235 nucleus, then more fission will occur, releasing more neutrons. A chain reaction is produced.

 As uranium atoms continue to

Chain Reaction Process

split, a significant amount of energy is released during each reaction. The heat released is harnessed and used to generate electrical energy. A controlled chain reaction is used in nuclear power stations. An uncontrolled chain reaction is used in nuclear bombs.

Example of chain reactions

Nuclear Fusion
Definition :

The combining of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a vast amount of energy during the process.

Example of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear

fusion is believed the process by which energy is released by the Sun. When two hydrogen-2 nuclei moving at high speeds collide, they can join together to produce heavier nucleus. A large amount of energy is released.

Example of Nuclear Fusion

Similarities of Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

Total mass after fission/fusion

become smaller compared before nuclear reaction. Both given out a very high energy. Both formed new elements.

Relate the release of energy in a nuclear reaction with a change of mass according to

E=

2. mc

Both nuclear fission and fusion

release a large amount of energy. The source of this energy is from the loss of mass in nuclear reactions.

Relate the release of energy in a nuclear reaction with a change of mass according to E = mc2.

The sum of the masses of the

particles before the reaction is more than the sum of the masses of the particles after the reaction. Mass defect = sum of the masses sum of the before reaction masses after reaction