Think of fission as dominos: one hit neutron causes a split that sends more neutrons to hit the next.
1. What happens in nuclear fission?
2. Why does a chain reaction continue after the first fission?
3. What is the main role of control rods in a fission reactor?
Nuclear fission — definition?
Splitting of a large nucleus releasing energy.
Chain reaction — role?
Self-sustaining process of successive fissions.
Unstable nucleus — role?
Splits upon neutron absorption, releasing neutrons.
Neutron absorption — process?
Nucleus takes in a neutron, increasing instability.
Fission reactors — main component?
Contain uranium fuel, control rods, moderator.
Control rods — function?
Absorb neutrons to control reaction speed.
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