NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY WORKSHEET Name____________________ pd ____
(Reference ch 21, p 697-9 types of nuclear reactions) watch video in class, or some you tube for example, this one
In ordinary chemistry we are primarily concerned about what happens to __________ inside the atom, but nuclear chemistry deals with changes in the _______ inside of an atom. Nuclear chemistry is very important, because Einstein’s formula, E=mc2,
Tells us a lot of __________ can be made from a very small amount of _______. This is what happens in nuclear reactions. There are 2 basic types, both begin with the letter ‘f’. They are _______________ and ____________.
In ____________ nuclear reactions large atoms are split into smaller ones.
In _____________ nuclear reactions small atoms are joined together into larger ones.
For the following indicate which type of nuclear reactions best fits. If both types fit, indicate ‘both’; if neither type fits, indicate ‘ none’
Today’s nuclear power plants.
Large amounts of energy obtained by changing matter into energy.
Hydrogen + hydrogen = helium
First atomic bombs
Occurs on the sun
Nucleus not involved
Uranium, split by a neutron, makes krypton and barium
Requires high temperature
Requires critical mass
Involves a chain reaction
Desired as future energy source
Produces a lot of radioactive waste
Can produce radon as a by product
Uses magnets to contain super hot plasma
Radon is a radioactive ___________ that can accumulate in homes. Many people _____________ for it before they buy a home, because high levels of it can cause ______.
Many people want nuclear power plants, because they want______________________.
Many people don’t want nuclear power plants because _________________________.
The worst nuclear accident ever happened in Chernobyl, in the country of ___________. The reason for the accident was _______________________. This serious an accident could not occur in the United States, because our reactors have ______________ structures. Although nuclear reactors can not explode like an ______________________, they can leak ___________________, if not properly maintained. They produce _______________ which is very difficult to dispose of.
After watching the tape, turn this paper over and write a half page reflection, addressing these questions:
Reflection 92 5/21/10 Nuclear Energy
What are the advantages of Nuclear Energy?
What are the disadvantages of Nuclear Energy?
Should we build more nuclear power plants? Give your reasons.
What do you propose as a solution to our energy problem?