When we think of nuclear processes so far we have discussed radioactive decay, that is alpha, beta and gamma decay.
As well producing the nuclear products, energy is also released. However, there are other nuclear processes that release energy but do not involve radioactive decay.
In brief, fission is the process by which a large atom can be broken into two smaller atoms with the result of the release of energy. In fusion, two smaller atoms are combined to produce one larger atom but also release excess energy.In both cases these processes can be under uncontrolled, releasing the energy very quickly, or controlled, allowing the energy to be released progressively.
As well producing the nuclear products, energy is also released. However, there are other nuclear processes that release energy but do not involve radioactive decay.
In brief, fission is the process by which a large atom can be broken into two smaller atoms with the result of the release of energy. In fusion, two smaller atoms are combined to produce one larger atom but also release excess energy.In both cases these processes can be under uncontrolled, releasing the energy very quickly, or controlled, allowing the energy to be released progressively.
We will start with fission, which is the production of energy when a larger atom is split into two smaller atoms. There is a mass defect as a result, which is converted into energy.
The following video examines fission, first in a historical context and then the discussing physics principles. Ensure you have a reasonable understanding of mass defect and binding energy before you watch the video.
The following video examines fission, first in a historical context and then the discussing physics principles. Ensure you have a reasonable understanding of mass defect and binding energy before you watch the video.
How a nuclear reactor works
A nuclear reactor is an essence a fission reaction and that is controlled. Since the nuclear fission rate is determined by the number of neutrons available and their speed, a nuclear reactor can control the rate of fission by controlling the amount of neutrons and the speed of the neutrons.
Although nuclear reactors are very complex structures they all work on similar principles, and this video discusses the key components of a nuclear reactor.
Although nuclear reactors are very complex structures they all work on similar principles, and this video discusses the key components of a nuclear reactor.
There are some great nuclear reactor interactives available for you to try
- https://playgen.com/nuclear-simulator/
- https://www.nuclearinst.com/Nuclear-Reactor-Simulator - it does take little time to load
