Physics 5054 · O Level · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

Plutonium-239 ($^{239}_{94}\text{Pu}$) is an isotope that serves as fuel in some nuclear reactors.
(a)[2]

State the names of the particle types present in a plutonium-239 nucleus, and state how many of each type are there.

(b(i))[2]

Explain how the fission process gives rise to a chain reaction.

(b(ii))[2]

Explain how control rods are used to raise and lower the rate of the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.

(c)[2]

State two ways in which an alpha particle and a beta particle differ.

(d(i))[2]

Draw a labelled diagram of either a cloud chamber or a spark counter. Show the radioactive source position as S.

(d(ii))[1]

State what produces the tracks in a cloud chamber or state what produces the sparks in a spark counter.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The particles are protons and neutrons.

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