Nuclear Fission and Fusion

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What is nuclear fission?
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Nuclear fission is the process by which a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.
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What is nuclear fusion?
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Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
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What are common elements used in nuclear fission reactions?
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Common elements used in fission include uranium-235 and plutonium-239.
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What condition is necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?
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High temperature and pressure are necessary for nuclear fusion to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
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What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
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A chain reaction occurs when the products of a fission reaction, typically neutrons, trigger additional fission reactions.
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Where does nuclear fusion naturally occur?
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Nuclear fusion naturally occurs in stars, including the Sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium.
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What is released during nuclear fission besides smaller nuclei?
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Besides smaller nuclei, a significant amount of energy and neutrons are released during nuclear fission.
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What is a nuclear reactor?
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A nuclear reactor is a system that controls fission chain reactions for energy production or research.
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What is the main challenge of nuclear fusion on Earth?
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The main challenge is maintaining the high temperatures and pressures required to sustain fusion reactions.
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Why is fusion considered a potential energy source?
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Fusion is considered because it produces large amounts of energy with minimal nuclear waste compared to fission.
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What is binding energy in the context of nuclear reactions?
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Binding energy is the energy required to separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons.
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Why are control rods important in a nuclear reactor?
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Control rods absorb excess neutrons to regulate and control the rate of the nuclear fission reaction in a reactor.
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What is the role of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?
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A moderator slows down neutrons, increasing the chance of fission when they collide with nuclear fuel atoms.
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What is one advantage of nuclear fusion over fission?
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Nuclear fusion produces less radioactive waste and has an abundant fuel supply, mainly isotopes of hydrogen.
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What was the first nuclear bomb based on fusion called?
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The first fusion-based nuclear bomb was called a thermonuclear or hydrogen bomb.
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