BRAINCAKENuclear Energy
Revision notes for Nuclear Energy in OCR Physics A (H556). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.
- 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 Coulombs Law.
- Binding Energy and Nuclear StabilityWhen bonds are formed between nucleons, the energy released is called the binding energy.
- Quantum TunnellingClusters of neutrons and protons can form in a very large nucleus.
- Nuclear FissionFission of the uranium-235 (or plutonium-238) nuclei can be induced by bombarding the nucleus with neutrons.
- Nuclear FusionThe fusion of two smaller nuclear results in an increase in the binding energy of the product as long as the mass number is less than 56.
- Nuclear ReactorsThe thermonuclear 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…