Expert Physics Tutoring

MS1.

- Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two (or more) smaller nuclei (1)

- (With the release of energy) (1)

MS2.

- Extreme temperature and pressure in the Sun's core cause hydrogen nuclei to overcome the repulsive force between them (1)

- The nuclei fuse, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays and heat (1)

- This energy powers the Sun's nuclear reactions (1)

MS3.

- Total mass defect = (0.0085 x (235 - 142 - 91)) = 0.89 atomic mass units (1)

- Energy released = 0.89 x 931.5 MeV = 829.8 MeV (1)

- Answer: 829.8 MeV (1)

MS4.

- Neutrons (1)

- Gamma rays (1)

MS5.

- Neutrons released from fission can strike other fissionable nuclei (1)

- Causing them to fission and release more neutrons (1)

- This creates a self-sustaining chain reaction (1)

MS6.

- Electrical power output = 500 MW x 0.30 = 150 MW (3)

MS7.

- Fusion: process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus (1)

- Fission: process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei (1)

MS8.

- Extreme temperatures and pressures in stars overcome the repulsive forces between atomic nuclei (1)

- Nuclei fuse to form heavier elements, releasing large amounts of energy (1)

- This energy maintains the star's temperature and pressure (1)

MS9.

- Mass defect = 3.2 kg x 238 x 0.0085 = 6.6 kg (1)

- Energy released = 6.6 kg x 931.5 MeV/c² = 6.1 x 10¹³ J (1)

- (or 5.9 x 10¹³ J, allowing for 1 s.f.) (1)

MS10.

- Deuterium and tritium (1)