AQA GCSE Nuclear Fission

AQA GCSE Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Fission

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

As a result of nuclear fission this large nucleus will split to form daughter nuclei, 2 or 3 neutrons and energy released.

Nuclear fission reaction of uranium 235 forming daughter nuclei, 3 neutrons and releasing energy

Types of nuclear fission

There are two types of nuclear fission:

1.Induced fission

2. Spontaneous fission

 

Induced Fission

In induced fission, the nucleus of an atom absorbs a neutron, which makes the nucleus unstable. This unstable nucleus then undergoes nuclear fission. 

Induced fission occurs in nuclear reactors where Uranium-235 nuclei absorb neutrons, then undergo fission to release energy. 

Induced nuclear fission reaction for Uranium-235

 

To simpify this the unstable nucleus in the red can be removed from the equation. This has been included above to aid your overall understanding.

Spontaneous Fission

This is when the nucleus undergoes nuclear fission without absorbing a neutron. This type of fission is rare, but still possible. 

Spontaneous fission equation

Practice Questions

1.Define the term nuclear fission

2. State the names of the two types of nuclear fission

3. State where nuclear fission takes place in industry

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