2023 · O/N · 5054/21 | Q8

0/42parts marked · 0 of 80 marks

Question (8 of 9)9 marks · Practise this topic →

Options

Theory: answer each printed part. For drawings, upload a clear photo of your sketch on the supplied figure; show working and units for calculations.

(a)

A neutral uranium-235 atom is compared with neutral uranium-238. A uranium-235 nucleus can absorb a slow neutron and undergo fission in a reactor.

State how a neutral uranium-235 atom differs from a neutral uranium-238 atom.

Answer guidance

State A short answer. No explanation is needed, and adding one cannot earn extra marks.

[1 mark]

(b)(i)

State what happens to a nucleus during fission.

Answer guidance

State A short answer. No explanation is needed, and adding one cannot earn extra marks.

[1 mark]

(b)(ii)

Explain how nuclear fission can produce a chain reaction in the reactor.

Answer guidance

Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.

[4 marks]

(b)(iii)

State the purpose of the reactor moderator.

Answer guidance

State A short answer. No explanation is needed, and adding one cannot earn extra marks.

[1 mark]

(b)(iv)

Explain what the reactor control rods do.

Answer guidance

Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.

[2 marks]

5054/21/O/N/23Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Paper 2 variant 1 · Question 8