Physics 5054 · O Level · Fission and fusion

Fission and fusion — practice question

Uranium-235 ($^{235}_{92}\text{U}$) is the uranium isotope used as fuel in a nuclear power station.
(a)[1]

The uranium isotope that occurs most abundantly in nature is uranium-238 ($^{238}_{92}\text{U}$). State how a neutral atom of uranium-235 differs from a neutral atom of uranium-238.

(b(i))[1]

Inside the reactor of a nuclear power station, a uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a slow-moving neutron and undergoes fission. State what happens to the nucleus of an atom during fission.

(b(ii))[4]

Explain how fission can produce a chain reaction in the reactor.

(b(iii))[1]

State the purpose of the moderator in the reactor.

(b(iv))[2]

Explain what the control rods do in the reactor.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: uranium‑235 contains 3 fewer neutrons than uranium‑238

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