Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Nuclear fusion
17 practice questions
Practice questions
11–17 of 17
Question 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
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.
Question 16
4 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Nuclear fusion is being researched as a possible source of unlimited clean energy on Earth, but it has not yet been achieved on a large scale.
Explain, using scientific ideas, why achieving nuclear fusion on Earth is much more difficult than in the core of stars. Include at least two physical reasons in your answer.
Question 17
4 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A student claims that nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are both potential sources of energy.
Explain the difference between fission and fusion in terms of the nuclei involved and the products formed. Then, describe why fusion produces energy only when light nuclei are used.