Nuclear Energy

 
 
6.2  Nuclear Energy
 
  Nuclear fusion  
 

Two or more small and light nuclei combine to produce a heavier nucleus. (produce energy).

 
 

- Difficult to achieve

- Nucleus repel each other (+ ve)

- Need to have a very high temperature to make the kinetic energy to overcome the repulsion

 
     
 
 
  Nuclear fission  
 

A heavy nucleus split into two or more of smaller nuclei with almost the same mass when bombarded by neutrons (produce energy).

 
 

Chain reaction: Neutrons from nuclear fission continuously splitting nuclei causing further fission.

 
     
 
  Formula  
 

\(E = mc^2\)

 
     
 
 

Nuclear Energy

 
 
6.2  Nuclear Energy
 
  Nuclear fusion  
 

Two or more small and light nuclei combine to produce a heavier nucleus. (produce energy).

 
 

- Difficult to achieve

- Nucleus repel each other (+ ve)

- Need to have a very high temperature to make the kinetic energy to overcome the repulsion

 
     
 
 
  Nuclear fission  
 

A heavy nucleus split into two or more of smaller nuclei with almost the same mass when bombarded by neutrons (produce energy).

 
 

Chain reaction: Neutrons from nuclear fission continuously splitting nuclei causing further fission.

 
     
 
  Formula  
 

\(E = mc^2\)