Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Nuclear fusion
17 practice questions
Practice questions
1–8 of 8 · Normal
Question 1
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Nuclear reactions can involve either fission or fusion.
(a)[2 marks]State one similarity and one difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why nuclear fusion requires much higher temperatures and pressures than fission.
Question 2
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State what is meant by nuclear fusion and name the main element involved in fusion in stars.
Question 3
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram shows a nuclear fusion reaction used in experiments on Earth.
(a)[1 mark]Name the two isotopes of hydrogen that take part in this fusion reaction.
(b)[1 mark]State one product of this reaction.
(c)[1 mark]Is energy absorbed or released in this reaction? Explain why.
Question 4
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why nuclear fusion reactions are the main source of energy in stars, but not in most power stations on Earth.
Question 5
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the mass of particles before and after a nuclear fusion reaction:
Particles Total mass (u) Before: deuterium + tritium 5.031 After: helium + neutron 5.019 Question 6
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following best explains why achieving nuclear fusion on Earth is much harder than in the core of the Sun?
- A.The Sun has stronger gravity, creating higher pressures and temperatures.
- B.Fusion produces less energy in the Sun than on Earth.
- C.The Sun contains more uranium than Earth.
- D.Fusion does not release any energy in the Sun.
Question 7
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A scientist suggests using nuclear fusion to power a new type of power station on Earth.
(a)[2 marks]State two advantages of using fusion instead of fission to produce electricity.
(b)[1 mark]Give one technological challenge that must be overcome before fusion reactors can be used commercially.
Question 8
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe how nuclear fusion in a star results in a stable output of energy over millions of years.