Nuclear reaction energy

Definition

Nuclear reaction energy is the energy released or absorbed during a nuclear reaction, which involves changes in an atom's nucleus. This energy is typically harnessed in nuclear power plants and can be calculated using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula, $E=mc^2$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nuclear reactions often release far more energy than chemical reactions due to the strong nuclear force involved.
2. Energy released in a nuclear reaction can be calculated using the mass defect and Einstein's equation $E=mc^2$.
3. In fission reactions, heavy nuclei split into smaller nuclei, while fusion reactions involve light nuclei combining to form heavier nuclei.
4. The conservation laws of mass-energy and momentum apply to all nuclear reactions.
5. Binding energy per nucleon generally increases with atomic number up to iron, after which it decreases.

Review Questions

• What equation is used to calculate the energy released or absorbed during a nuclear reaction?
• How do fission and fusion reactions differ in terms of their processes and end products?
• Why are conservation laws important in understanding nuclear reactions?

Related terms

Mass Defect:

The difference between the mass of an atom's nucleus and the sum of its individual nucleons' masses. This 'missing' mass is converted into binding energy.

$E=mc^2$:

Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula that shows how mass can be converted into energy and vice versa.

Binding Energy:

The energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons. It is also the energy released when a nucleus is formed from these nucleons.