What is binding energy in the context of nuclear chemistry?

The amount of energy that holds each proton or neutron in an atom's nucleus; the same amount of energy that's released when it's removed.

Explain the mass defect and its relationship to binding energy using Einstein's equation.

The mass defect is the 'missing mass' when the mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons. This missing mass is converted into energy, the binding energy, according to E=mc².

What is nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei.

Describe the process by which uranium-235 undergoes fission, including what triggers the reaction and the products formed.

Uranium-235 fission is typically triggered by the absorption of a neutron. This causes the uranium nucleus to split into smaller atoms like krypton-92 and barium-141, along with releasing several free neutrons and a large amount of energy.

What is a nuclear chain reaction, and why is it important in both nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons?

A nuclear chain reaction is a self-sustaining series of fission reactions where neutrons released from one fission event trigger further fission events. In power plants, it generates heat for electricity, while in weapons, it causes a rapid, uncontrolled energy release.

Exploring Nuclear Fission

12th GradeScience45 min

Learning Objective

I can describe the process of nuclear fission and its applications.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

12 min

Nuclear Chemistry Part 2 - Fusion and Fission: Crash Course Chemistry #39

CrashCourse

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
The amount of energy that holds protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus is called binding energy, and it's calculated using the formula E=mc².
•
Fission occurs when a large nucleus splits into two lighter ones, while fusion is when two light nuclei join together to form a heavier one.
•
Nuclear power plants use the energy released by fission reactions to convert water to steam, which then powers a generator.

Practice

14 min

7 questions • Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Describe the process of nuclear fission, including what triggers it and what the products of the reaction are. Also, describe one application of nuclear fission.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
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Exploring Nuclear Fission

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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