qotd o what is nuclear energy? o 3-5 sentences. nuclear energy physical science mr. dunnum
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QOTDO What is nuclear energy?O 3-5 sentences
Nuclear EnergyPhysical Science
Mr. Dunnum
What is Nuclear Energy?
O Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe.
O Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an atom.
O There is enormous energy in the bonds that hold the nucleus together. Breaking those bonds releases that energy.
Types of Nuclear Energy
Fusion Fusion exampleO Is the process that
powers the Sun and starsO Fusion is the combining
of two atoms together and it generates an enormous amount of energy
O We are close but we are still not close to making fusion power
Types of Nuclear Energy
Fission Fission picture
O In nuclear fission, energy is released when atoms are split or break apart to form a smaller atom.
Nuclear FuelO The fuel most widely used by nuclear
plants for nuclear fission is uranium.O Uranium is nonrenewable, though it
is a common metal found in rocks all over the world.
O Nuclear plants use a certain kind of uranium, referred to as U-235.
Half-lifeO Is the time it takes for half of the
atoms in a pure sample of the isotope to decay into another element
O It is a measure of the stability of an isotope; the shorter the half life, the less stable the atom
Alpha/Beta O Alpha ParticlesO a positively charged
particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted in radioactive decay or nuclear fission(helium)
O Not harmful to humans unless ingested
O Beta ParticlesO High speed
electron omitted by a radioactive nucleus during beta decay
O Can cause cancer but develop relatively slow
Gamma O GammaO More energetic form
of electromagnetic radiation
O More penetrating than alpha and beta particles
O Nuclear weaponsO Causes burns,
cancer, and gene mutations x-men