Answers to AQA GCSE Nuclear Fission chain reaction

Practice Questions

1. Define the term Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large and unstable nucleus.

2.Explain what a chain reaction is and why it occurs

A chain reaction is a self sustaining nuclear reaction. It occurs because each fission reaction will produce 2 or 3 neutrons. These neutrons will go on to cause further fission reactions

3.Describe how a chain reaction is controlled within a nuclear reactor

Boron control rods are inserted into a nuclear reactor to absorb the excess neutrons

4.State the consequence of not controlling a chain reaction

An explosion