CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P5.2.5 Applications and safety precautions Exam Style Questions Paper 3
Question
(a) Thermal energy is released, by combustion, in a gas-fired power station.
Describe how the thermal energy released is transferred into electrical energy in the power station.
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(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of a nuclear power station compared with a gas-fired power station.
advantage …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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disadvantage …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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(c) Cobalt-60 is produced in a nuclear power station.
(i) A sample of cobalt-60 has a mass of 2g.
The half-life of cobalt-60 is 5.25 years.
Calculate the mass of cobalt-60 remaining after 21 years.
mass = ……………………………………………… g
(ii) Cobalt-60 decays by emitting β-particles and γ-rays.
State the charge on a β-particle.
charge = ………………………………………………….
(iii) Place α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays in order of their penetrating abilities.
(iv) Suggest a safe way of storing a small sample of cobalt-60.
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▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: 3(a) thermal energy turns water to steam ;
steam drives turbine ;
turbine drives generator ;
3(b) advantage – nuclear not reliant on fossil fuels / no CO$_{2}$ produced ;
disadvantage – nuclear accidents / disposal of nuclear waste ;
3(c)(i) 4 half-lives ;
0.125 (g) ;
3(c)(ii) –1 ;
3(c)(iii) most penetrating
$\gamma$
β
$\alpha$
least penetrating ;
3(c)(iv) in a lead lined container ;