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7 (a) Use words from the box to complete the sentences about nuclear fission of uranium-235 (U-235) - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1

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7 (a) Use words from the box to complete the sentences about nuclear fission of uranium-235 (U-235). A neutron hits a nucleus of U-235 and causes the nucleus to ___... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:7 (a) Use words from the box to complete the sentences about nuclear fission of uranium-235 (U-235) - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1

Step 1

a) A neutron hits a nucleus of U-235 and causes the nucleus to _________.

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Answer

A neutron hits a nucleus of U-235 and causes the nucleus to split.

Step 2

a) Each fission releases energy, two daughter nuclei and some ________________.

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Answer

Each fission releases energy, two daughter nuclei, and some neutrons.

Step 3

a) In a nuclear reactor, one fission can set off a controlled ________________ reaction.

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Answer

In a nuclear reactor, one fission can set off a controlled chain reaction.

Step 4

b) Calculate the mass of oil needed to generate the same amount of electricity as 1 kg of natural uranium.

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Answer

To calculate the mass of oil needed to generate the same amount of electricity as 1 kg of natural uranium:

1 kg of natural uranium yields 45,000 units of electricity.

1 kg of oil yields 5 units of electricity.

Using the equation:

ext{mass of oil} = rac{45,000 ext{ units}}{5 ext{ units/kg}} = 9,000 ext{ kg}

So, the mass of oil needed is 9000 kg.

Step 5

c) State one harmful waste product from using nuclear fuel.

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Answer

One harmful waste product from using nuclear fuel is radioactive substances.

Step 6

c) State one harmful waste product from burning oil.

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Answer

One harmful waste product from burning oil is carbon dioxide.

Step 7

d) Explain why americium-241 is the best of these three sources to use in this smoke detector.

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Answer

Americium-241 is the best choice for the smoke detector due to the following reasons:

Properties of Radiation

  • Alpha radiation is highly ionizing, making it effective in generating a measurable response in smoke detectors.
  • Gamma radiation, though it has a long range, is weakly ionizing and not as effective for this application.

Half-life

  • Americium-241 has a half-life of 433 years, ensuring it remains effective for a long period without the need for frequent replacement.
  • Compared to actinium-225 with a short half-life of 10 days, americium-241 provides a stable and long-lasting source of radiation.

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