Nuclear Energy

Front

What is nuclear energy?

Back

Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricity.

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What is fission?

Back

Fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What is fusion?

Back

Fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What are the main concerns associated with nuclear energy?

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Concerns include storage of radioactive waste, safety risks, high costs, and potential natural disasters.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

Name a major nuclear accident that occurred at a power plant.

Back

Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island are major nuclear accidents.

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What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

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Fission splits heavy nuclei into smaller ones, while fusion combines light nuclei to form a heavier one.

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What is radioactive decay?

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Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'critical mass'?

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Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.