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Edexcel ScienceiGCSE Physics

S. Fission and Fusion2019-2020

Name:________________Physics Teacher:______________

House CG Test Score

Year 11 (d)

Specification Checklist

7.17 know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy

7.18 understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) by collision with a neutron, and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission products

7.19 know that the fission of U-235 produces two radioactive daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons

7.20 describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other U-235 nuclei

7.21 describe the role played by the control rods and moderator in the fission process

7.22 understand the role of shielding around a nuclear reactor

7.23 explain the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission

7.24 describe nuclear fusion as the creation of larger nuclei resulting in a loss of mass from smaller nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy

7.25 know that fusion is the energy source for stars

7.26 explain why nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures and pressures, due to electrostatic repulsion of protons

2Fission and Fusion – Science (Physics)

Key Definitions

Key Word Image Definition

Chain Reaction A reaction which continues unaided until all of it’s fuel is gone.

Control Rods Boron or cadmium rods that can be lowered into a reactor to control the rate of fission. They absorb neutrons to prevent them causing a chain reaction

Daughter Nuclei

The main product of nuclear fission. Each daughter nucleus contains some of the protons and neutrons from the original parent nucleus.

Electrostatic Repulsion

The force experienced by a charged particle when it moves close to another particle of the same charge i.e. Two protons both repel as they are both positive.

Fission The splitting of a nucleus through absorption of a slow moving neutron. Produces 2-3 more neutrons and Daughter Nuclei

Fuel Rods Rods of Radioactive Uranium or Plutonium pellets inside a nuclear reactor. This is where fission takes place.

Fusion The creation of a heavier nucleus by combining two smaller Nuclei. This process requires a large amount of energy to overcome electrostatic repulsion.

Kinetic Energy Energy that is expressed through the movement of particles.

Moderator Water or graphite. The part of a nuclear reactor that slows down high speed neutrons without absorbing them. Ready to be absorbed by a nucleus.

Neutron A sub atomic particle found in the nucleus. It has no charge and is similar in size and mass to a proton.

Nucleus The centre/core of an atom. Contains neutrons and protons. Has a positive charge.

Radioactive Decay

The emission of an Alpha/Beta Particle, Neutron, or Gamma Ray from an unstable nucleus. This can make the nucleus more stable

Reactor The housing for nuclear fission. Surrounded by concrete. Inside are all the components of a Nuclear Reactor.

Shielding Thick layers of concrete that protect the operator from ionising radiation.


α ParticleUnstable Nucleus

Daughter Nucleus

Neutron

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjIrpXbk4faAhUCOxQKHSIEC2MQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_nucleus&psig=AOvVaw3P1vmcNaZMJSnYerODLcDJ&ust=1522056301127414

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjIrpXbk4faAhUCOxQKHSIEC2MQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_nucleus&psig=AOvVaw3P1vmcNaZMJSnYerODLcDJ&ust=1522056301127414

1: Nuclear Fission

Knowledge and Understanding Check - RadioactivityHow much can you remember from the Remove topic on Radioactivity? Complete the summary sheet below.

Term Definition

Atomic Number

Mass Number

Isotope

Ionisation

Half Life

Contamination

Irradiation

Add the labels to the diagram below:

Radiation Symbol Form Penetrative Power

Ionisation Ability

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Neutron


Learning Outcomes:

1. State that fission can be used as a source of energy.2. Describe the process of fission including the key terms; neutron, parent nucleus,

daughter nuclei3. Explain how the process of fission can cause a chain reaction resulting in more

incidences of fission

Radioactivity Summary WorksheetUse the summary sheet on page 5 to attempt the questions on the worksheet.

1. Where does nuclear radiation come from? [1]

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. What are alpha particles made up of? [2]

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. What would you use to stop the following forms of radiation? [3]a. Alpha

……………………………………………..

b. Beta

……………………………………………..

c. Gamma

……………….…………………………….

4. Explain what is meant by ionizing radiation. [2]

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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5. Why is gamma radiation used as a tracer in the body rather than alpha radiation? [2]

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Use he graph to calculate the half life of a sample. [3]

……………………….


time (days)

counts per m

7. Carbon -14 has a half-life of 5,700 years. If a sample of freshly cut wood has a count rate of 10 counts per minute, and a second piece of wood has a count rate of 2.5 counts per minute, how old is the second piece of wood? [3]

……………………….

8. Would long or short half-life materials be appropriate in the following situations? [6]

9. Complete the following decay equations by balancing the atomic numbers and mass numbers on each side of the equation. [9]

Po84204 → ❑❑

200 + α❑❑

P→1532 S❑

❑ + β❑❑

Pb→82209 ❑❑

208 + n❑❑

10. What new element is formed following the beta decay of dysprosium-165? [5]

Score [ /36]


What is Nuclear Fission?

Working with your teacher – add labels and descriptions to each part of the Fission Process.


Key Ideas

1. A slow moving neutron is absorbed by a large (parent) nucleus – usually Uranium-235

2. This causes the large nucleus to become unstable.3. The nucleus splits apart forming two daughter nuclei and 1 to 3 fast moving

neutrons.4. This produces a huge amount of energy (in the form of kinetic energy in the

daughter nuclei and electrons).


Chain Reactions and the Critical MassAdd on to the diagram below to show what will happen next:

Key Ideas

1. Neutrons released during the splitting of the larger nucleus are absorbed by other nuclei.

2. This causes the other nuclei to undergo fission.3. This produces a chain reaction. 4. For a chain reaction to happen there must be a minimum amount of Uranium-235 –

this is called the critical mass.


Worksheet – Nuclear Fission

Use the knowledge you have gained this lesson to answer the following questions.

1. Name and label the process shown below:

………………………………………………………………… [7]

2. Describe the process above.

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3. Explain how the above process could lead to a chain reaction.

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… [3]

Score [ /15]


2: Inside the Nuclear Reactor

Fission Recap

Label the main parts of the diagram below.


Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the process for generating electricity using Nuclear Fission.2. Explain the role of the control rods inside the Nuclear Reactor3. Explain the role of the moderator in encouraging the process of Nuclear Fission.

Generating Nuclear Energy

Can you add identify the key parts of the Nuclear Power Station?

Control Rods Generator

Pump Cooling Tower

Steam Line Containment Structure

Reactor Turbine

Cooling Water Condenser Steam Generator

What Energy Transfers are taking place?


Inside the Nuclear Reactor

Work with your teacher to label the different parts of the Nuclear Reactor Vessel.

What are the roles of the following parts of the Nuclear Reactor Vessel?

Concrete Chamber/Shielding

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Moderator (Graphite Core)

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Control Rods (Cadmium or Boron)

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Fuel Rods (Enriched Uranium-235)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Worksheet – Nuclear Fission Energy


1. Why are the control rods moveable?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

2. Does the moderator speed up or slow down the rate of reaction? Explain your answer.

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3. How does the reactor core generate electricity?

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4. Why are two separate sources of water used in a Nuclear power station?

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

5. Why would it be a mistake to use Graphite as the material for the Control Rods?

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

Score [ /13]


3: Nuclear Fusion

Knowledge and Understanding Check - FissionUse the knowledge you have gained in the previous 3 lessons to answer the following questions:

1. What is absorbed during the process of Fission?

………………………………………………………………………………. (1)

2. What products are created after a U-235 nucleus undergoes Fission?

………………………………………………………………………………………… (2)

3. What is the role of the control rods?

………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………. (2)

4. What is the role of the moderator?

………………………………………………………………………………………… (2)

5. What type of energy is released during Fission?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………… (1)

6. What would the acceleration of a 600g object be if an unbalanced force of 8N acted

upon it?

………………….. (3)

Score [ /11]


Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the process of fusion as the creation of larger nuclei following the collision of 2 smaller high speed nuclei.

2. State the fusion is the energy source for stars (including our Sun)3. Explain why fusion can only happen at higher temperatures and pressures due

the electrostatic repulsion of protons.

What is Fusion?

Label on the key components of Nuclear Fusion on the diagram below:


Complete the sentences below:

Two ___________ of Hydrogen ( ___________ and ___________ ) collide at very high

_________.

They undergo ________ to form a ____________ nucleus, a neutron and a large amount of

_________ ____________.

The mass of the products of fission is _________ than the two _________ isotopes that

were used in the process.

Fusion is the energy source for our ________ and all other ______ in the Universe.

The Difficulties with Fusion

Key Ideas:

1. For Fusion to happen the deuterium and tritium nuclei must collide with enough energy to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the protons in the nuclei.

2. Requires very high temperatures to give deuterium and tritium enough energy. 3. This High Temperature liquid (100 million oC) must be kept in a strong magnetic field

(‘magnetic bottle’).4. To increase the chance of fusion this hot liquid must be kept under very high

pressure.


Worksheet – Nuclear Fusion


1. How is nuclear fusion different to nuclear fission?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[3]

2. What elements are fused together in the Sun and what new element does this produce?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

3. Why can nuclear fusion happen in the sun?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

4. The main fusion reaction that could be used here on Earth is:

Explain what this reaction means.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[3]

5. JET is an experimental fusion reactor near Oxford. It has not been able to produce large

amounts of nuclear fusion. Why is it so difficult to get fusion reactions to work?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

6. What would be the source of the fuel required by a fusion reactor?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………[1]

Score [ /13]


4: Comparing Fission and Fusion

Fission or FusionFor each of the statements below identify whether it is related to Fission, Fusion or both.

STATEMENT FISSION FUSION BOTH

A slow moving neutron collides with a U-235 nucleus.

Energy is given off.

Two Isotopes of Hydrogen collide to produce a Helium Nucleus.

At least one neutron is a product of the process.

Used as an energy resource in 2018.

It is the Energy Source of our Sun.

Can become a chain reaction.

Requires High Temperatures to occur.

Can be controlled using Control Rods and a Moderator.

Requires High Pressures to occur.

[Score /10]


Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the Differences between Fission and Fusion2. Describe the respective advantages of Fission and Fusion3. Compare the respective advantage and disadvantages of Fission and Fusion

Worksheet – Comparing Fission and FusionUse the Understanding you have gained over the last 3 lessons to answer the following questions.

1. Can you identify 2 differences between the processes of Fission and Fusion?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

2. Can you identify 1 difference in the products of Fission and Fusion?

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[1]

3. Can you identify 2 similarities of Fission and Fusion?

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

4. Give 2 advantages to using Fission as an Energy Resource.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

5. Give 2 advantages to using Fusion as an Energy Resource.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

6. Give 2 disadvantages to using Fission as an Energy Resource.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

Score [ /11]


Worksheet – Fission and Fusion QuestionsUse everything you have learnt in this topic to answer the following questions.


Q1


Q2


Q3


Q4

Score [ /30]


Critical Thinking Task – Fission vs. Fusion

In this activity you are going to create a newspaper article. In this article you are going to argue which is better: Fission or Fusion Energy.

Refer to the Success Criteria below:

Success Criteria Self-Check

Peer Mark

It is clear that the article is in favour of Fission or Fusion

Process of Fission clearly described and/or illustrated

Process of Fusion clearly described and/or illustrated

Advantages of Fission/Fusion discussed

Disadvantages of Fission/Fusion discussed

Conclusion weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of both resources

Use of key words and Scientific language throughout

Planning Space:

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THE NUCLEAR TIMES


Stretch Activity: The Dangers of Nuclear Power

Use your MacBook’s and/or Textbooks to research the possible dangers of nuclear power and the waste it produces. Record your findings below.

[Stuck? Try visiting the websites below to get you started!]

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http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/reconsidering-risks-nuclear-power/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21729040-100-nuclear-waste-too-hot-to-handle/

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmra1103676


https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmra1103676

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21729040-100-nuclear-waste-too-hot-to-handle/

http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/reconsidering-risks-nuclear-power/

Stretch Activity: The Advantages of using Fusion

Use your MacBook and/or Textbooks to research the possible advantages to using Fusion as an Energy Resource.

[Stuck: Try visiting the websites below to get you started!]

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https://www.iter.org/sci/Fusion

http://fusionforenergy.europa.eu/understandingfusion/merits.aspx

http://www.ccfe.ac.uk/introduction.aspx


http://www.ccfe.ac.uk/introduction.aspx

http://fusionforenergy.europa.eu/understandingfusion/merits.aspx

https://www.iter.org/sci/Fusion

Fission and Fusion

Past Paper Questions

Q1. The diagram shows a neutron colliding with a nucleus of uranium-235, producing anumber of products.


(a) Name the process shown in the diagram.(1)

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(b) Explain how the process shown in the diagram can lead to a chain reaction.(3)

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(c) This process releases energy.

Explain the form that this energy takes.(2)

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(d) The energy released in this process can be used in a nuclear power station.

(i) The pressurised water acts as a coolant. It also acts as a moderator.

What is the purpose of a moderator?(1)

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(ii) Complete the chart below to show the main useful energy transfers in a nuclearpower station.

(4)

(Total for question = 11 marks)


Q2. The diagram shows the main parts of a nuclear reactor.

In the nuclear reactor uranium-235 nuclei undergo fission in a controlled chain reaction.

(a) Describe nuclear fission and how the chain reaction is controlled.Use terms from the diagram to help you.

(5) .............................................................................................................................................

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(b) State the form of energy that is released during fission.(1)

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(c) How does the shielding improve safety?(1)

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Q3. The table shows information about three isotopes of uranium.

(a) (i) Complete the table by filling in the missing numbers.(2)

(ii) Explain what is meant by the term half-life.(2)

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(iii) Suggest why uranium-238 is the most common isotope of uranium.

(1)


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(b) Nuclear power stations use a uranium isotope as fuel.

What are the products of the fission of uranium nuclei?

(3)

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(c) The diagram shows the reactor in a nuclear power station.

(i) What is the purpose of the moderator?(1)

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(ii) Describe what happens in the reactor when a control rod is removed.(2)

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(d) There have been several accidents at nuclear power stations.The most serious accident caused an explosion in the reactor.This explosion spread material from inside the reactor to the surrounding area.Explain why it is difficult to make the surrounding area safe again after a seriousnuclear accident.

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Q4. In a nuclear reactor, a uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and fission occurs.

(a) Complete the equation below that shows a typical fission reaction.

(2)

(b) Explain how nuclear fission can lead to a chain reaction.

(3) .............................................................................................................................................

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(c) The diagram shows a nuclear reactor.

(i) On the diagram, label the control rods and the shielding.(2)


(ii) Explain why the shielding is needed.(2)

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Q5. This is a question about nuclear energy.

(a) Nuclear fusion can take place between different isotopes of hydrogen to produce an

isotope of helium.

(i) Complete the nuclear equation for this process.(2)

(ii) This process also results in the release of energy.State where the fusion process takes place naturally.

(1) .............................................................................................................................................

(iii) Explain why the isotopes of hydrogen must be heated to a very high temperature for fusion to take place.

(3).............................................................................................................................................

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(b) Nuclear fission also results in a release of energy.

Explain how nuclear fission differs from nuclear fusion.(2)

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Fission and Fusion

Spec Point Notes

Fission and Fusion Specification Notes


7.17

know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy

7.18

understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) by collision

with a neutron, and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission

products


7.19

know that alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays are ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process


7.20

describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other U-235 nuclei


7.21

describe the role played by the control rods and moderator in the fission process


7.2 2

understand the role of shielding around a nuclear reactor

7.23

explain the difference between n

uclear fusion and nuclear fission


7.24

describe nuclear fusion as the creation of larger nuclei resulting in a loss of mass from smaller nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy

7.25

know that fusion is the energy source for stars


7.26

explain why nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures and pressures, due to electrostatic repulsion of protons

v


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