Nuclear Physics: Nuclear Energy

Types of Nuclear Reactions: Alpha, beta or gamma emission from radioactive nuclei Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion

Einstein's Mass-Energy Equivalence Equation:E = mc²  E = energy M = mass C = speed of light

Fission The splitting of a large nucleus into two smaller nuclei Occurring alongside this reaction is a release of energy and neutrons A chain reaction occurs when at least one neutron is emitted, which then goes on to cause another fission reaction Nuclear reactors are based on the nuclear fission process

Here is an example of a fission chain reaction involving Uranium-235:

Fusion Combining two smaller nuclei to form a single larger nucleus, with the release of energy Fusion is the source of the sun's energy Hydrogen is an example of an atom commonly involved in fusion

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