Chain Reactions Flashcards
All 6 cards in this deck
What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
Neutrons released by one fission are absorbed by other nuclei, causing further fissions that release more neutrons.
Which particles released by fission keep a chain reaction going?
Neutrons.
Why is the chain reaction controlled in a nuclear reactor?
To control the energy released.
What kind of chain reaction causes the explosion of a nuclear weapon?
An uncontrolled chain reaction.
True or false? The chain reaction inside a nuclear reactor is uncontrolled.
False. It is controlled in a reactor; only in a nuclear weapon is it uncontrolled.
What are the steps by which a chain reaction is set up?
e.g. in a reactor containing uranium
- A uranium nucleus absorbs a neutron and undergoes fission.
- Two or three neutrons are emitted.
- These neutrons are absorbed by other uranium nuclei, causing further fissions.