CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P5.1 The nucleus Exam Style Questions Paper 4
Question
Fig. 12.1 shows a diagram of a nuclear power station used to generate electricity.
(a) (i) State the process in the reactor that releases energy.
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(ii) Complete the sentence about energy resources.
The Sun is the source of energy for all our energy resources except nuclear,
………………………………….. and tidal.
(b) (i) Describe, in terms of molecules, how the steam exerts pressure on the walls of the boiler.
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(ii) The steam in the boiler has a constant volume.
State what happens to the pressure of the steam if the temperature of the steam is increased.
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(c) The power station uses an alternating current (a.c.) generator to generate electricity.
Fig. 12.2 shows a simple a.c. generator.
(i) Describe how a simple a.c. generator produces an output potential difference (p.d.).
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(ii) The generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.
The efficiency of the generator is 75%.
Calculate the kinetic energy required to produce 3600J of electrical energy.
kinetic energy = ……………………………………………… J
(d) The fuel rod contains uranium-235 ( $_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}$).
Uranium-235 decays by alpha emission.
Use correct nuclide notation to complete the decay equation for uranium-235.
$_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}{\rightarrow}_{90}^{231}\textrm{Th}+_{2}^{4}\alpha$
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: 12(a)(i) (nuclear) fission ;
12(a)(ii) geothermal ;
12(b)(i) molecules (of steam) collide with the walls/container ;
(collisions) exert a force (on the walls) ;
12(b)(ii) increases ;
12(c)(i) rotating coil experiences a changing magnetic, field / flux ;
(output p.d.) is induced / reference to electromagnetic induction ;
12(c)(ii) evidence of (KE/input energy) = output/efficiency × 100 or 3600/75 ×100 ;
4800 (J) ;
12(d) $_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}{\rightarrow}_{90}^{231}\textrm{Th}+_{2}^{4}$
thorium correct ;
alpha correct ;