Transmutation and Nuclear Energy: practice problems

Key terms · 18

chain reaction

repeated fission caused when the neutrons released in fission bombard other atoms

containment system

(also, shield) a three-part structure of materials that protects the exterior of a nuclear fission reactor and operating personnel from the high temperatures, pressures, and radiation levels inside the reactor

control rod

material inserted into the fuel assembly that absorbs neutrons and can be raised or lowered to adjust the rate of a fission reaction

critical mass

amount of fissionable material that will support a self-sustaining (nuclear fission) chain reaction

fissile (or fissionable)

when a material is capable of sustaining a nuclear fission reaction

fission

splitting of a heavier nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, usually accompanied by the conversion of mass into large amounts of energy

fusion

combination of very light nuclei into heavier nuclei, accompanied by the conversion of mass into large amounts of energy

fusion reactor

nuclear reactor in which fusion reactions of light nuclei are controlled

nuclear fuel

fissionable isotope present in sufficient quantities to provide a self-sustaining chain reaction in a nuclear reactor

nuclear moderator

substance that slows neutrons to a speed low enough to cause fission

nuclear reactor

environment that produces energy via nuclear fission in which the chain reaction is controlled and sustained without explosion

nuclear transmutation

conversion of one nuclide into another nuclide

particle accelerator

device that uses electric and magnetic fields to increase the kinetic energy of nuclei used in transmutation reactions

reactor coolant

assembly used to carry the heat produced by fission in a reactor to an external boiler and turbine where it is transformed into electricity

subcritical mass

amount of fissionable material that cannot sustain a chain reaction; less than a critical mass

supercritical mass

amount of material in which there is an increasing rate of fission

transmutation reaction

bombardment of one type of nuclei with other nuclei or neutrons

transuranium element

element with an atomic number greater than 92; these elements do not occur in nature