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Scientists are designing a different type of nuclear power station - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
Scientists are designing a different type of nuclear power station. This power station will use the fusion of isotopes of hydrogen to make helium. Explain why large ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists are designing a different type of nuclear power station - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why large amounts of energy are needed to make this nuclear fusion reaction take place.
Answer
Nuclear fusion requires large amounts of energy to overcome the repulsive forces between positively charged hydrogen nuclei (protons). At extremely high temperatures, typically over millions of degrees Celsius, the kinetic energy of the particles increases sufficiently to allow them to collide with enough force to overcome this electrostatic repulsion. This process results in the fusion of the nuclei and the release of energy, typically in the form of kinetic energy of helium nuclei and neutrons.
Step 2
Step 3
(i) Explain how the PET chips become positively charged and the PVC chips become negatively charged.
Answer
The PET chips become positively charged by losing electrons. When the PET and PVC materials are tumbled together, electrons are transferred from the PET chips to the PVC chips. This electron transfer results in the PET chips losing electrons and acquiring a positive charge, while the PVC chips gain electrons and become negatively charged.
Step 4
(ii) Explain why the PVC chips leave the drum.
Answer
The PVC chips leave the drum because they are negatively charged. As the mixture goes past a positively charged metal rod, the PVC chips are attracted to the rod. However, once they leave the vicinity of the rod and enter the region of lower electric potential, they are no longer held and fall into the collecting bin.
Step 5
(iii) Suggest why the bins and scraper are connected to earth.
Answer
The bins and scraper are connected to earth to prevent the buildup of static electricity. By grounding these components, excess charge can be safely dissipated, reducing the risk of electric shocks or potential sparking caused by the accumulation of static charges.