Fission vs Fusion

What does the equation E=mc^2 describe?

• The relationship between energy and mass

• The structure of an atom

• The process of nuclear fusion

• The speed of light

What happens during radioactive decay?

• Nuclei split into two equal parts

• Unstable nuclei emit particles to become stable

• Atoms lose electrons

• Atoms gain protons

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is fission?

• Splitting of the nucleus of an atom

• Conversion of mass into energy

• Emission of neutrons from the nucleus

• Combining of two nuclei

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What triggers a chain reaction in a nuclear reactor?

• A neutron collides with a uranium-235 nucleus

• Uranium-235 nuclei are cooled down

• A proton collides with a uranium-235 nucleus

• Electrons are emitted from uranium-235

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What is the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

• To absorb neutrons and control the chain reaction

• To split uranium-235 nuclei

• To generate electricity

• To cool down the reactor core

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What is the main challenge with fusion energy today?

• Creating the fusion reaction

• Generating a net gain of energy

• Building a large enough reactor

• Finding suitable fuel

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What is the role of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

• To split uranium nuclei

• To absorb excess energy

• To slow down neutrons

• To generate steam

What is the primary fuel used in a nuclear reactor?

• Plutonium-239

• Uranium-235

• Thorium-232

• Hydrogen isotopes

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What is the principle behind nuclear fusion?

• Splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter nuclei

• Combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus

• Conversion of neutrons into protons

• Emission of electrons from heavy nuclei

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity?

• By burning fossil fuels to heat water into steam

• By using solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy

• By using the heat from nuclear reactions to produce steam that drives turbines

• By splitting electrons from atoms to generate electrical charge

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8