Nuclear fission is used today around the world to generate electricity in nuclear power stations. The binding energy curve explains why the process releases energy.
Key Concepts
If a massive nucleus splits into two, there is an increase in binding energy.
The difference in mass between the original nucleus and the combination of daughter nuclei can be used to find the energy released.
NB: 1 u = 931.5 MeV
Use quizzes to practise application of theory.
START QUIZ!
Below is a BE/nucleon vs nucleon number graph
Can X split into 2Y's?
The BE is reduced so no energy would be released. This would not be energetically favourable.
Below is a BE/nucleon vs nucleon number graph
How much energy would be released if X split into 2Y
There are 200 nucleons and the change in BE is 0.5 MeV per nucleon
The reaction when X splits into Y and Z is given below.
How many neutrons will be ejected?
240 -(118 + 119)
The products of fission have too many
large nuclei are most stable with more neutrons than protons, small ones aren't
The products of fission are radioactive, they are most likely to decay by the emission of
They have too many neutrons. beta - decay is when a neutron changes to a proton
Most of the energy from fission is given to
The neutrons travel fastest but don't have so much mass
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