BRAINCAKENuclear Energy
Revision notes for Nuclear Energy in AQA Physics (7408). Every lesson in BrainCake comes with R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps, a quick check and spaced reviews.
- Mass-Energy EquivalenceIn radioactive decay, energy is released.
- Strong Nuclear ForceWe can estimate the size of the strong nuclear force by working out the force of repulsion of the protons in the nucleus using Coulomb's Law.
- Binding Energy and Nuclear StabilityWhen bonds are formed between nucleons, the energy released is called the binding energy.
- Quantum TunnellingIn the nucleus, neutrons and protons are bound together by the strong nuclear force.
- Nuclear FissionFission of the uranium-235 (or plutonium-239) nuclei can be induced by bombarding the nucleus with neutrons.
- Nuclear FusionThe fusion of two smaller nuclei results in an increase in the binding energy of the product as long as the mass number is less than 56.
- Nuclear ReactorsThe thermal nuclear reactor in a nuclear power station contains uranium-235 fuel rods in a steel vessel called the reactor core.
- SafetyThe thick steel vessels must withstand the high temperature and pressure of the reactor core which is enclosed in thick concrete walls so that gamma…
On the specification
- 3.8.1.6 Mass and energy
- 3.8.1.7 Induced fission
- 3.8.1.8 Safety aspects