Which Will Happen?
Looking at the graph we can see the Iron 56 has the highest binding energy per nucleon, the most energy required to remove one proton or neutron from the nucleus. This makes it the most stable.
Nuclei lighter than Iron will undergo fusion.
Protons and neutrons feel the attraction of the strong nuclear force but only protons feel the repulsion of the electrostatic force. For light nuclei, adding an extra proton increases the strong nuclear force to pull the nucleon together. This is because at this range the s.n.f. force is stronger than the other three fundamental forces.
The nucleons move closer together potential energy is lost energy is given out
Nuclei heavier than Iron will undergo fission.
Beyond Iron, each proton that is added to the nuclei adds to the electrostatic repulsion. The bigger the nucleus become the less the outer protons feel the strong nuclear force from the other side. We can see the binding energy per nucleon decrease for heavier nuclei.
A big nucleus will break into two smaller nuclei, each being stronger bonded together due to the smaller size.
The nucleons move closer together potential energy is lost energy is given out.
| Section 8 | Nuclear Reactors | |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson 8 | ||
| Learning Outcomes | To be able to explain how a nuclear reactor produces electricity | |
| To be able to explain the roles of the fuel rods, moderator, coolant and control rods | ||
| To be able to give examples of the materials use for each of the above | M.BENYOHAI |