Nuclear reactions and notation
Nuclear reactions and notation
A nuclear reaction changes an atomic nucleus, unlike a chemical reaction, which only rearranges electrons. Fission splits a large nucleus, while fusion joins small nuclei to form a larger nucleus.
Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.7 Nuclear fission and fusion, covering 6.7.1 Nuclear power: advantages and disadvantages, 6.7.2 Nuclear reactions and the fission of U-235, 6.7.3 Controlled chain reactions and nuclear reactors, 6.7.4 Nuclear fusion, and 6.7.5 Conditions for fusion. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Master the required practical work and core equations early, since both papers can draw on content and maths skills from across the whole specification.