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Nuclear Energy

Section 3. Nuclear Energy. The Nucleus. Inside the nucleus of the atom contains protons and neutrons. Nuclear reactions involves tremendous amounts of energy. Two types of nuclear reactions: Fission Fusion. Nuclear Fission.

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Nuclear Energy

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  1. Section 3 Nuclear Energy

  2. The Nucleus • Inside the nucleus of the atom contains protons and neutrons. • Nuclear reactions involves tremendous amounts of energy. • Two types of nuclear reactions: • Fission • Fusion

  3. Nuclear Fission 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.

  4. Nuclear fission reaction

  5. Nuclear Fission • 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.

  6. Nuclear Power Plants • 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.)

  7. Nuclear Power Plants

  8. Risks of Nuclear Fission • Meltdowns (Chernobyl, Ukraine) • Fuel rods produced too much heat, • Increase steam pressure, • Explosions occurred, • Radioactive materials escapes. • Radioactive waste disposal

  9. Nuclear Fusion • Nuclear Fusion is the combining of 2 atomic nuclei to produce a single larger nucleus. • Advantages: • It produces more energy per atom than nuclear fission. • It is readily available. • It is safer • Less polluting than nuclear fission.

  10. Nuclear Fusion reaction

  11. Nuclear Fusion • Disadvantages: • 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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