Lesson Three: Worksheet Two

After Reading True False As soon as the nucleus captures the neutron, it splits into two lighter atoms and “throws off” two or three new neutrons. True False Nuclear fusion is the joining (or fusing) of the nuclei of two atoms to form a single heavier atom. True False For fusion to occur, the electrostatic repulsion between the atoms must be overcome. True False The energy released by a single fission comes from the fact that the fission products and the neutrons, together, weigh less than the original U-235 atom. True False The process of capturing the neutron and splitting of an atom happens very quickly, on the order of picoseconds (2x10-12 seconds). True False The two atoms that result from the fission later release alpha and gamma radiation of their own, as well. True False Three-percent Uranium enrichment is sufficient for use in a civilian nuclear reactor, used for power generation. True False The uranium bundle acts as an extremely highenergy source of heat. It heats the water and turns it to steam. True False Weapons-grade uranium is composed of 90- percent or more U-235. True False The probability of a U-235 atom capturing a neutron as it passes by is fairly low.