Nuclear Fission And Nuclear Fusion

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Mr. McLeod's Notes

1. Nuclear fission is when a large isotope (large atomic number) breaking up into a smaller isotope(s) (smaller atomic number) and radiation (alpha/beta particles, gamma ray).

2. Nuclear fusion is when two smaller isotopes (low atomic number, usually H or He) smash together and create a larger atomic number isotope.

3. Energy comes from both types of nuclear reactions from any mass anniliated (meaning changed into energy via Einstein's equation, E = mc2) and/or change in binding energies. A nuclear fusion reaction has several orders of magnitude more energy released than nuclear fission.

Notes from Section 26.6 Nuclear Fission (Addison Wesley Chemistry)

Def Fission -

Def Chain reaction -

Show a picture of how it works.



What is an uncontrolled nuclear reaction called -

What is a controlled nuclear reaction called and how do they control it.


From your knowledge of nuclear fission (from book, outside sources, etc), give two benefits and two disadvantages for nuclear fission.











Notes from Section 26.7 Nuclear Fusion (Addison Wesley Chemistry)

Def nuclear fusion -

Give the nuclear reaction for nuclear fusion in the sun.




Give one of the problems (disadvantages) to having/containing a nuclear fusion reaction.



Give one of the benefits (advantages) to a controlled nuclear fusion reaction.



Briefly, explain how a tokamak makes it possible to have a nuclear fusion reaction. Why is this the only place where it can occur.







































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