Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Fission and Fusion
47 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
21–22 of 22 · Normal
Question 21
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The nuclear reaction below shows a fusion reaction that occurs in stars:
(a)[2 marks]Explain what happens to the total mass of the products compared to the reactants in this reaction, and state what happens to the 'missing' mass.
(b)[2 marks]Describe one reason why nuclear fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste, unlike nuclear fission reactors.
Question 22
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A nuclear power station can use either a fission reactor or, in the future, a fusion reactor.
(a)[3 marks]State two similarities and two differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as sources of energy.
(b)[2 marks]Suggest one reason why fusion reactors could be more desirable than fission reactors for providing energy on Earth.