IB Physics E4 Definitions
This page contains our IB Physics definitions for E4. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Fission'.
Conditioning
The final step in nuclear waste management, involving encapsulating or solidifying waste in materials like cement, bitumen, or glass, and storing it in corrosion-resistant containers
Control Rods
Retractable rods that absorb neutrons to control the rate of the nuclear chain reaction
Fission
It is the splitting of a large nucleus into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy
Fusion
It is the joining of two nuclei to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy
Half-life
It is the amount of time for half of the atoms to decay
Moderator
A material within the reactor that slows down neutrons to optimize their speed for successful nuclear reactions
Neutron Bombardment
The process of bombarding fuel rods with neutrons to initiate a fission reaction
Radioactive decay
It is the process of decomposition of unstable nuclei into lighter nuclei and emission of radiation
Next Up
You have completed the topic 5 definitions for IB Physics - continue with related resources below or explore the full IB Physics course from the IBO.
Other topic 5 resources