Paper 1 H - SAMPLE SET 1 Q10
(10) In a nuclear reactor, a chain reaction is produced and controlled.
(a) (i) Uranium-235 is the isotope used in many nuclear reactors.
Explain how the fission of uranium-235 can lead to a chain reaction. (4)
(ii) Nuclei of beryllium-9 do not absorb neutrons.
Instead, nuclei of beryllium-9 absorb alpha particles and emit neutrons.
Give a reason why a chain reaction can result from the emission of neutrons by uranium nuclei but not by beryllium nuclei. (1)
(b) Explain what happen inside a nuclear reactor if neutron speeds are not controlled. (3)
(c) Describe how the energy released in the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor is used to drive a turbine in a nuclear power station. (3)
(Total for Question 10 = 11 marks)
(a) (i) Uranium-235 is the isotope used in many nuclear reactors.
Explain how the fission of uranium-235 can lead to a chain reaction. (4)
(ii) Nuclei of beryllium-9 do not absorb neutrons.
Instead, nuclei of beryllium-9 absorb alpha particles and emit neutrons.
Give a reason why a chain reaction can result from the emission of neutrons by uranium nuclei but not by beryllium nuclei. (1)
(b) Explain what happen inside a nuclear reactor if neutron speeds are not controlled. (3)
(c) Describe how the energy released in the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor is used to drive a turbine in a nuclear power station. (3)
(Total for Question 10 = 11 marks)