Science

10. Explore fission and fusion

Mission Objectives

Define nuclear fission and fusion

Describe what happens in a chain reaction

Explain how a chain reaction can be controlled in a nuclear reactor

Describe why scientists are keen to develop fusion as a power source

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KS4-21-10 Lesson Slides KS4-21-10 Mission Assignment KS4-21-10 Handout KS4-21-10 PDF Handout KS4-21-10-Teacher Answers

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

fission

splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller pieces

plutonium

a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94

fusion

joining two light atomic nuclei together to make a heavier one

hydrogen

a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1

chain reaction

a reaction where the product of that reaction causes further reactions to take place

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United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

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Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation and handout.

Handout: Summarise fission and fusion. Use diagrams to explain the fission and fusion products. Apply knowledge of fission and use the information on the handout to explore how fusion reactions can be controlled. 

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