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Nuclear fission and fusion key terms
Use these key terms for Nuclear fission and fusion in AQA Physics 8463. The page is built from approved learning objectives for this topic and links back to the wider unit, topic hub, and related revision assets.
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key terms
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Nuclear fission and fusion
Key terms
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
chain reaction
A series of fission events where emitted neutrons cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
Uranium
A heavy metal element that can undergo nuclear fission.
Plutonium
A radioactive element that is also capable of undergoing nuclear fission.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
neutron absorption
The process by which a neutron is taken in by a nucleus, initiating nuclear fission.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
chain reaction
A series of fission events where emitted neutrons from one fission event cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
energy release
The energy emitted during nuclear fission as a result of the mass-to-energy conversion.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.
neutron emission
The release of neutrons during the fission process, which can initiate further fission events.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.
chain reaction
A series of fission events where emitted neutrons from one fission event cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
chain reaction
A series of repeated fission events where emitted neutrons cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
Controlled chain reaction
A nuclear reaction where the rate of fission is regulated to maintain a steady output of energy.
Uncontrolled chain reaction
A nuclear reaction where the rate of fission increases rapidly, potentially leading to an explosion.
Control Rods
Devices used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons and regulate the rate of the nuclear chain reaction.
Neutron Absorption
The process by which a neutron is captured by a nucleus, which can lead to nuclear fission.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
chain reaction
A series of fission events where emitted neutrons cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
chain reaction
A series of fission events where emitted neutrons cause further fission in nearby nuclei.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
light nuclei
Nuclei that have a small mass, such as hydrogen, which can undergo fusion to form heavier elements.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
helium
A light, non-metallic element formed from the fusion of hydrogen nuclei.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
energy release
The output of energy that occurs during nuclear fusion as a result of mass conversion.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
energy source of stars
The mechanism by which stars produce energy through nuclear fusion reactions.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high temperature
A condition necessary for nuclear fusion to occur, required to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high pressure
A condition that increases the likelihood of nuclei colliding in fusion processes.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
electrostatic repulsion
The force that causes like charges to repel each other, which must be overcome for nuclear fusion to occur.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
energy source of stars
Nuclear fusion is the primary energy source that powers stars, including the Sun.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high temperature
A condition required for nuclear fusion to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
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