After the neutron collides with the nucleus, it causes the nucleus to become unstable. It requires a neutron to collide with the heavy nucleus for the splitting to occur. This process is known as nuclear fission and is not random. Large nuclei can also become more stable by splitting into two smaller nuclei. This process occurs spontaneously and randomly. Some heavy atoms are unstable and they maintain stability by emitting radioactive particles such as alpha and beta particles. Heavier nuclei can also be split in a process called nuclear fission, which produces smaller nuclei and some energy. This process is known as nuclear fusion, during which, energy is released. Smaller atoms can sometimes combine to form heavier atoms when their nuclei collide and merge. In this article, we will discuss the splitting and combining of nuclei, also known as fission and fusion respectively. Since humans have learned that nuclei can be split apart or fused, we have been curious to understand the energies involved in these reactions. These tiny components are responsible for some of the most energetic (and destructive) reactions that occur on Earth. Heavier atoms consist of heavier nuclei, that is, there are more protons and neutrons. It consists of neutrons and protons that are held together by a strong nuclear force. This is the core of the atom and constitutes more than 99% of the atom's mass. If you’re looking for more help with IB Chemistry, including hints for your IA, then be sure to visit our Chemistry subject page where you’ll find more articles, study tools, and other resources.At the centre of every atom lies the nucleus. A table of contents for the book as well as some sample pages are available through the link below. If you’re looking for practice questions on this topic or more succinct explanations of key concepts in IB Chemistry Option C, then pick up a copy of our study guide. This quick review of nuclear fusion and fission has hopefully helped to reinforce your understanding. Expanding your IB Chemistry Option C: Energy knowledge You do not need to learn any specific nuclear equations but you do need to be able to deduce mass numbers and atomic numbers or the name of the elements for the nuclei involved, if given enough information. In your exam you might be set problems ‘ balancing’ these nuclear equations. Nuclear fusion occurs when two very light nuclei (such as hydrogen) combine together to make a larger nucleus.Įnormous heat and pressure are required to overcome the electrical repulsion of protons but there is a net release of energy in the process. There are two ways this can happen: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Nuclear energy is energy that is released when atomic nuclei change. The guide also contains over 25 practice questions plus four exam-style questions to allow you to test your knowledge and understanding. The study guide is full of concise, easy-to-understand explanations of complicated concepts that can help you stay on top of your IB Chemistry Option C studies. If you’re studying IB Chemistry Option C: Energy then this straightforward explanation of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission extracted from our IB study guide, Chemistry Option C: Energy Standard and Higher Level written by Tony Hickling, is for you. IB Chemistry is known for being a challenging subject, so we’ve pulled some useful explanations of key concepts from our study guides to help make your revision a bit easier.
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