Fission and Fusion
4 marks · EasyBoth fission and fusion can release a large amount of energy.
State two similarities between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as sources of energy.
Describe one difference between these two processes.
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(a) Both are nuclear reactions and both release large amounts of energy. · must show nuclear reactions, energy release
(b) Fission splits large/heavy nuclei into smaller nuclei, but fusion joins small/light nuclei to form a bigger nucleus. · must show fission splits heavy nuclei, fusion joins light nuclei
Must show: similarities: both involve nuclear reactions, both release energy, difference: fission splits heavy nuclei, fusion joins light nuclei
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States first valid similarity (e.g., both are nuclear reactions).
B2 (a) · 1 mark · States second valid similarity (e.g., both release energy).
B3 (b) · 2 marks · Describes a difference: fission splits heavy nuclei; fusion joins light nuclei (both features must be given for 2 marks, 1 for one side).
Worked solution
a) Both fission and fusion are nuclear reactions. Both processes release large amounts of energy.
b) Fission splits a heavy nucleus into two lighter ones. Fusion joins two light nuclei to make a heavier nucleus.