Edexcel IGCSE Physics Worksheet 30 - Fission and Fusion

Companion PDF worksheet for Edexcel IGCSE Physics Lecture 30 - Fission and Fusion. Contains short answer questions, an activity requiring lateral thinking and exam-style questions.

Specification Point 7.17 - Know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy.

Specification Point 7.18 - Understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split by collision with a neutron, and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission products.

Specification Point 7.19 -Know that the fission of U-235 produces two radioactive daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons.

Specification Point 7.20 - Describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other U-235 nuclei.

Specification Point 7.21 - Describe the role played by the control rods and moderator in the fission process.

Specification Point 7.22 - Understand the role of shielding around a nuclear reactor.

Specification Point 7.23 - Explain the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

Specification Point 7.24 - Describe nuclear fusion as the creation of larger nuclei resulting in a loss of mass from smaller nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy.

Specification Point 7.25 - Know that fusion is the energy source for stars.

Specification Point 7.26 - Explain why nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures and pressures, due to electrostatic repulsion of protons.

Complete set of Chapter 7 Worksheets are available.