Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Fission and Fusion
47 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–18 of 18 · Easy
Question 11
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The diagram shows the reaction between a deuterium nucleus and a tritium nucleus.
(a)[2 marks]Explain why a very high temperature is needed for fusion to occur between deuterium and tritium nuclei.
(b)[1 mark]State one reason why fusion reactions are difficult to achieve on Earth, besides temperature.
Question 12
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following statements correctly describes nuclear fusion?
- A.Two light nuclei join to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
- B.A heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy.
- C.An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle to become more stable.
- D.A neutron is absorbed by a nucleus, causing it to become unstable.
Question 13
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the process that powers the Sun and other stars.
Question 14
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which statement best describes why nuclear fusion requires very high temperatures and pressures?
- A.The nuclei must move slowly enough to combine.
- B.The repulsive forces between nuclei must be overcome.
- C.There must be enough gravity for fusion to occur.
- D.Radioactive waste must be produced by fusion.
Question 15
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Describe what happens during nuclear fusion in stars.
Question 16
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Nuclear reactions release energy in different ways. Uranium-235 is used as a fuel in some nuclear power stations, while nuclear fusion occurs in stars.
(a)[2 marks]Explain what happens when a nucleus of uranium-235 absorbs a slow-moving neutron.
(b)[2 marks]State what nuclear fusion involves and where it naturally occurs.
Question 17
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The diagram shows parts of a nuclear fission reactor and the process that occurs inside it. Nuclear fusion is also being researched as a future source of energy.
A simplified nuclear reactor diagram (fuel rods, moderator, control rods, shielding) (a)[2 marks]Describe the purpose of the moderator in the reactor.
(b)[2 marks]State one reason why nuclear fusion is difficult to achieve in a reactor on Earth.
Question 18
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Both fission and fusion can release a large amount of energy.
(a)[2 marks]State two similarities between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as sources of energy.
(b)[2 marks]Describe one difference between these two processes.