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Energy from the nucleus

1 a Copy and complete the following diagram to show how a chain reaction may
occur inside a nuclear fuel rod containing many uranium-235 nuclei.

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b Name the other fissionable substance that is used in some nuclear reactors.

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c The passages below reflect some of the conflicting opinions about nuclear
power.

Nuclear power is a low-emission source of energy and is the only readily available, large-
scale alternative to fossil fuels for a continuous, reliable supply of electricity. The waste from
nuclear power occupies a tiny volume and can be safely returned to the Earth for underground
storage.

A new generation of nuclear power stations will only reduce our emissions by four per cent by
2024: far too little, far too late, to stop global warming. They will create tens of thousands of
tonnes of the most hazardous radioactive waste, which remains dangerous for up to a million
years.

i What are the ‘emissions’ that both sources refer to?

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ii Why can nuclear waste remain dangerous for millions of years?

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iii Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the storage of nuclear
waste underground.

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iv Explain why it would not be possible to replace fossil fuels with wind
power alone.

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d For over 50 years scientists have been experimenting with fusion reactors
with the aim of eventually generating electricity. The latest research project,
called ITER, is scheduled to start operating in France in 2018 and is a
collaboration between many countries.
i State two of the potential benefits of fusion power.

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ii Why are some people opposed to the research into fusion power?

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2 a Copy and complete the following sentences using the list of words and
phrases below. Each one can be used once, more than once or not at all.
split fusion join a larger one fission two smaller nuclei
The Sun’s energy is produced by nuclear …………………… This is where

atomic nuclei …………………… to form …………………… (3)

b Which element was the first to form in the universe?

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c The red super giant star Betelgeuse is likely to explode as a supernova and
then form a neutron star. The red supergiant VV Cephei is likely to explode
as a supernova and become a black hole. What causes the fate of these two
stars to be different?

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d Which type of star produces all the elements up to iron?

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 P2, Chapter 7

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e The diagram shows the forces acting within a star. The grey arrows show the
outward force created by radiation. Star A is stable but in star B the outward
force has become less.

i What type of force is counteracting the outward force from radiation?

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ii What is about to happen to star B?

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iii Suggest why the force from radiation may suddenly decrease.

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3 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising

information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate.

Explain how the solar system formed and why there were elements heavier than
iron present when it formed.

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