Physics 5054 · O Level · Fission and fusion

Fission and fusion — practice question

In space, a cloud of dust and gas in interstellar space collapses to produce a protostar. The cloud includes hydrogen.
(a)[2]

Describe the energy transfers occurring while the cloud collapses and becomes the protostar.

(b(i))[1]

State in what way the nuclei of isotopes of the same element differ.

(b(ii))[1]

Explain why hydrogen-3 is unable to decay by alpha particle emission.

(b(iii))[2]

Complete the equation for the decay of hydrogen-3 to a helium (He) isotope. $^{3}_{1}\text{H} \rightarrow \; \ldots\, \beta \; + \; \ldots\, \text{He}$

(b(iv))[3]

Explain how the nuclear reaction inside the protostar prevents any further collapse as the protostar turns into a stable star.

(c)[1]

State which stage in a star’s life cycle is responsible for forming the heaviest elements.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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