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Nuclear Fission

The process of the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei is called nuclear fission.

When a slow moving neutron strikes with a uranium nucleus (92U235), it splits into 56Ba141 and 36Kr92 along with three neutrons and a lot of energy.

Nuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEETNuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEET

Nuclear Chain Reaction

If the particle starting the nuclear fission reaction is produced as a product and further take part in the nuclear fission reaction, then a chain of fission reaction started, which is called nuclear chain reaction.

Nuclear chain reaction are of two types

(i) Controlled chain reaction

(ii) Uncontrolled chain reaction


Nuclear Reactor

The main parts of a nuclear reactor are following

Nuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEET

(i) Fuel Fissionable materials like 92U23592U23894U239 are used as fuel.

(ii) Moderator Heavy water, graphite and beryllium oxide are used to slower down fast moving neutrons.

(iii) Coolant The cold water, liquid oxygen, etc. are used to remove heat generated in the fission process.

(iv) Control rods Cadmium or boron rods are good absorber of neutrons and therefore used to control the fission reaction.

Atom bomb working is based on uncontrolled chain reaction.

Nuclear Fusion

The process of combining of two lighter nuclei to form one heavy nucleus, is called nuclear fusion.

Three deuteron nuclei (1H2) fuse, 21.6 MeV is energy released and nucleus of helium (2He4) is formed.

Nuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEETNuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEET

In this process, a large amount of energy is released.

Nuclear fusion takes place at very high temperature approximately about 107 K and at very high pressure 106 atmosphere.

Hydrogen bomb is based on nuclear fusion.

The source of Sun’s energy is the nuclear fusion taking place at sun.

Thermonuclear Energy

The energy released during nuclear fusion is know as thermonuclear energy. Protons are needed for fusion while neutrons are needed for fission process.

The document Nuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor | Physics Class 12 - NEET is a part of the NEET Course Physics Class 12.
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FAQs on Nuclear Energy: Fission & Nuclear Reactor - Physics Class 12 - NEET

1. What is nuclear fission?
Ans. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process is used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity.
2. How does a nuclear reactor work?
Ans. A nuclear reactor works by utilizing nuclear fission to produce heat. In a nuclear reactor, controlled chain reactions occur, where the splitting of uranium or plutonium atoms releases energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, generating electricity.
3. What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
Ans. Some advantages of nuclear energy include its ability to generate a large amount of electricity with a relatively small amount of fuel, its low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, and its potential to provide a consistent and reliable source of power.
4. What are the risks associated with nuclear energy?
Ans. Risks associated with nuclear energy include the possibility of accidents, such as meltdowns or radioactive leaks, which can have severe environmental and health consequences. Additionally, the proper disposal of nuclear waste is a challenge due to its long-term radioactivity.
5. How does nuclear energy compare to other sources of energy?
Ans. Nuclear energy has several advantages over other sources of energy. It has a higher energy density compared to fossil fuels, meaning it can produce more energy with less fuel. It also emits lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a cleaner option. However, the high costs of building and maintaining nuclear reactors, as well as concerns about safety and waste disposal, are factors that need to be considered when comparing it to other energy sources.
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