CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P6.2.2 Life cycle of stars Exam Style Questions Paper 2
▶️ Answer/Explanation
The Sun is powered by \(\text{nuclear fusion}\), in which hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium.
This process releases enormous amounts of energy, which radiates outward as light and heat.
Nuclear fission (option C) involves splitting large nuclei and does not occur in the Sun.
✅ Answer: (D)
This process releases enormous amounts of energy, which radiates outward as light and heat.
Nuclear fission (option C) involves splitting large nuclei and does not occur in the Sun.
✅ Answer: (D)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
α particles are large and heavily charged, so they interact strongly with atoms but are stopped by just a sheet of paper — this makes them the least penetrating.
Because α particles interact so strongly, they cause the most ionisation, while γ rays interact weakly with matter.
γ rays pass through most materials with little absorption, so they cause the least ionisation.
✅ Answer: (B)
Because α particles interact so strongly, they cause the most ionisation, while γ rays interact weakly with matter.
γ rays pass through most materials with little absorption, so they cause the least ionisation.
✅ Answer: (B)