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Published byDaisy Poole Modified over 9 years ago
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Section 3
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Inside the nucleus of the atom contains protons and neutrons. Nuclear reactions involves tremendous amounts of energy. Two types of nuclear reactions: 1. Fission 2. Fusion
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Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom’s nucleus into two smaller nuclei. The fuel is a large unstable atom such as Uranium-235. When the neutron hits the U-235 nucleus, the nucleus splits apart into two smaller nuclei and 2 or more neutrons.
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If a nuclear chain reaction is not controlled, the released energy causes a huge explosion. (atomic bomb) If a nuclear chain reaction is controlled, the energy is released as heat, which can be used to generate electricity.
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Controlled nuclear fission. The heat released from the reactions is used to change water into steam. The steam then turns the blades of a turbine to generate the electricity. Two main parts to the power plant: Reactor Vessel Heat Exchanger Nuclear power plants generate much of the worlds electricity.(20% in the U.S.)
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Meltdowns (Chernobyl, Ukraine) 1. Fuel rods produced too much heat, 2. Increase steam pressure, 3. Explosions occurred, 4. Radioactive materials escapes. Radioactive waste disposal
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Nuclear Fusion is the combining of 2 atomic nuclei to produce a single larger nucleus. Advantages: 1. It produces more energy per atom than nuclear fission. 2. It is readily available. 3. It is safer 4. Less polluting than nuclear fission.
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Disadvantages: 1. Scientists have not yet been able to control a large-scale fusion reaction. No material has been found that could serve as a reactor vessel under high pressure. Scientist believe one day they will succeed and produce a clean, cheap energy source.
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