key term - 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

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.