TYPES OF ENERGY STORE - examples explained

(f) Nuclear energy stores

This page will help you answer questions such as ...  What is nuclear energy?  What is a nuclear energy store?   Give an example of a nuclear energy store

Nuclear energy and nuclear energy stores

• This is energy associated with the structure of atomic nuclei.

  • Atomic nuclei are nuclear energy stores and the energy is released in nuclear reactions.

  • Einstein's famous equation relates energy to mass: E = mc².

  • When nuclear changes happen there are changes in the mass of the products and tiny amounts of mass are converted into energy - heat or electromagnetic radiation..

  • Any mass loss (m), however small, releases huge amounts of energy (E) as the nuclear energy store decreases.

• Nuclear energy released when the nucleus of an atom undergoes a nuclear reaction e.g.

  • Alpha, beta and gamma radioactive decay radiations release energy - but not in a form useful in power generation.

  • Nuclear fission reactions when larger atoms like uranium are split by neutrons to form smaller atoms - this process is used in nuclear power stations.

    • a nuclear fission reaction involving a uranium atom

  • Nuclear fusion is when smaller atoms come together to form a larger atom, but this also releases huge amounts of nuclear energy e.g. hydrogen ==> helium in a star like our Sun.

    • a nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium atoms.

• All these processes release huge amounts of nuclear energy and the energy from fission can be harnessed to power steam turbine generators to drive generators producing electricity.

• It is hoped one day that nuclear fusion will provide the energy, but not practical at the moment!

• Nuclear fusion reactions

• Nuclear Fission Reactions, nuclear power as an energy resource

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