Justify the use of nuclear energy as an alternative to generating electricity

Nuclear Energy

6.2

Nuclear Energy

	Nuclear fusion
	Two or more small and light nuclei combine to produce a heavier nucleus. (produce energy).
	- Difficult to achieve - Nucleus repel each other (+ ve) - Need to have a very high temperature to make the kinetic energy to overcome the repulsion

	Nuclear fission
	A heavy nucleus split into two or more of smaller nuclei with almost the same mass when bombarded by neutrons (produce energy).
	Chain reaction: Neutrons from nuclear fission continuously splitting nuclei causing further fission.

	Formula
	\(E = mc^2\)

Nuclear Energy

6.2

Nuclear Energy

	Nuclear fusion
	Two or more small and light nuclei combine to produce a heavier nucleus. (produce energy).
	- Difficult to achieve - Nucleus repel each other (+ ve) - Need to have a very high temperature to make the kinetic energy to overcome the repulsion

	Nuclear fission
	A heavy nucleus split into two or more of smaller nuclei with almost the same mass when bombarded by neutrons (produce energy).
	Chain reaction: Neutrons from nuclear fission continuously splitting nuclei causing further fission.

	Formula
	\(E = mc^2\)