Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
NUCLEAR PHYSICS
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NUCLEAR PHYSICS
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Subject: Physics
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 20
Grade code: 3.4.2.LI.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.4.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.4.2.LI.2
Theme: ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS
Subtheme: NUCLEAR PHYSICS
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Welcome, future engineers, scientists, and informed citizens of Ghana! Today, we delve into one of the most powerful and debated technologies known to humanity: nuclear energy. As Ghana explores options to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for our homes, schools, and industries—to finally put an end to challenges like 'dumsor'—understanding nuclear power is more relevant than ever. We will explore how the immense energy locked inside an atom's nucleus can be safely harnessed to boil water and generate electricity on a massive scale. We will also honour the brilliant minds, including remarkable women, whose courage and intellect paved the way for this science.
A. The Core Principle: Nuclear Fission
The entire process begins with a single, powerful event called nuclear fission. Definition: Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of a heavy, unstable atom (like Uranium-235) splits into two or more lighter nuclei when it absorbs a slow-moving neutron. What is Released? When the nucleus splits, it releases: Two smaller nuclei (called fission fragments or daughter nuclei). Two or three additional neutrons. A tremendous amount of energy, mostly in the form of heat.
Think of it like this: Imagine hitting a large, brittle piece of charcoal with a small stone. The charcoal shatters into smaller pieces, sends out tiny chips (the new neutrons), and releases energy as sound and heat. In fission, the energy released is millions of times greater.
The most common fuel used is Uranium-235 ($^{235}_{92}U$). The typical fission reaction is: $^{235}_{92}U$ + $^1_0n$ → $^{141}_{56}Ba$ + $^{92}_{36}Kr$ + 3 $^1_0n$ + ENERGY