Chapter 17

What is nuclear fission? How and by whom was it discovered?

Why can nuclear fission be used in a bomb? Include the concept of a chain reaction in your explanation.

What was the main goal of the Manhattan Project? Who was the project leader?

How can nuclear fission be used to generate electricity?

Explain the purpose of the control rods in a nuclear reactor core. How do they work?

What is nuclear fusion?

Do modern nuclear weapons use fission, fusion, or both? Explain.

Can nuclear fusion be used to generate electricity? What are the advantages of fusion over fission for electricity generation? What are the problems with fusion?

What is acute radiation damage to living organisms?

Explain how radiation can increase cancer risk.