Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Fission and Fusion
47 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
31–40 of 47
Question 31
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 32
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 33
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 34
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 35
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 36
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.
Question 37
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 38
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 39
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.
Question 40
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →For many years, scientists have been working on using nuclear reactions as a source of energy. Nuclear fission and fusion are both involved in producing energy in different ways.
(a)[2 marks]State what is meant by nuclear fission and identify the type of material most commonly used for fission in a power plant.
(b)[2 marks]Explain one major reason why nuclear fusion does not currently power electricity stations on Earth, even though it is the source of energy in stars.
(c)[1 mark]Describe one radioactive product that is produced by nuclear fission.