3 8 1 7-Induced-Fission

Colonel Frank Seely School
3.8.1.7 Induced Fission
Q1.A rod made from uranium−238 ( U) is placed in the core of a nuclear reactor where it
absorbs free neutrons.
When a nucleus of uranium−238 absorbs a neutron it becomes unstable and decays to
neptunium−239 ( Np), which in turn decays to plutonium−239 ( Pu).

(a) Write down the nuclear equation that represents the decay of neptunium−239 into
plutonium−239.
(2)
(b) A sample of the rod is removed from the core and its radiation is monitored from
time t = 0 s.
The variation of the activity with time is shown in the graph.
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(i) Show that the decay constant of the sample is about 3.4 × 10–6 s–1.
(2)
(ii) Assume that the activity shown in the graph comes only from the decay of
neptunium.
Estimate the number of neptunium nuclei present in the sample at time t = 5.0
× 105 s.
number of nuclei .....................................................

(1)
(c) (i) A chain reaction is maintained in the core of a thermal nuclear reactor that is
operating normally.
Explain what is meant by a chain reaction, naming the materials and particles
involved.
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(2)
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(ii) Explain the purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor.
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(2)
(iii) Substantial shielding around the core protects nearby workers from the most
hazardous radiations. Radiation from the core includes α and β particles, γ
rays, X−rays, neutrons and neutrinos.
Explain why the shielding becomes radioactive.
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(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q2.(a) Explain what is meant by a thermal neutron.
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(2)
(b) A student sets up the arrangement, shown in the diagram below, to demonstrate the
principle of moderation in a nuclear reactor.
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A golf ball of mass 50 g is initially hanging vertically and just touching a hockey ball
of mass 150 g. The golf ball is pulled up to the side and released. It has a speed of
1.3 m s−1 when it collides head-on with the hockey ball. After the collision the balls
move in opposite directions with equal speeds of 0.65 m s−1.
(i) Calculate the height above its initial position from which the golf ball is
released. Assume that there is no air resistance.
height ................................................. m
(2)
(ii) Show that momentum is conserved in the collision and that the collision is
perfectly elastic.
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(4)
(iii) Calculate the percentage of the kinetic energy of the golf ball transferred to the
hockey ball during the collision.
percentage transferred ................................................. %

(2)
(iv) Explain how this demonstration relates to the moderation process in a reactor
and state one way in which the collisions in a reactor differ from the collision in
the demonstration.
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(2)
(v) Name the substance used as the moderator in a pressurised water reactor
(PWR).
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(1)
(Total 13 marks)
Q3.(a) State what is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus.
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(2)
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(b) (i) When a nucleus absorbs a slow-moving neutron and undergoes fission
one possible pair of fission fragments is technetium and indium .
Complete the following equation to represent this fission process.
(1)
(ii) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, when a single nucleus

undergoes fission in this way.
binding energy per nucleon of = 7.59 MeV
energy released ..................................... MeV

(3)
(iii) Calculate the loss of mass when a nucleus undergoes fission in this
way.
loss of mass ......................................... kg

(2)
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(c) (i) On the figure below sketch a graph of neutron number, N, against proton
number, Z, for stable nuclei.
proton number, Z
(1)
(ii) With reference to the figure, explain why fission fragments are unstable and
explain what type of radiation they are likely to emit initially.
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(3)
(Total 12 marks)
Q4.(a) Describe the changes made inside a nuclear reactor to reduce its power output and
explain the process involved.
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(2)
(b) State the main source of the highly radioactive waste from a nuclear reactor.
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(1)
(c) In a nuclear reactor, neutrons are released with high energies. The first few
collisions of a neutron with the moderator transfer sufficient energy to excite nuclei
of the moderator.
(i) Describe and explain the nature of the radiation that may be emitted from an
excited nucleus of the moderator.
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(2)
(ii) The subsequent collisions of a neutron with the moderator are elastic.
Describe what happens to the neutrons as a result of these subsequent

collisions with the moderator.
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q5.The figure below shows the variation in binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number.
(a) A uranium-235, 235U, nucleus fissions into two approximately equally sized products.
Use data from the graph to show that the energy released as a result of the fission is
approximately 4 × 10–11J.
Show on the graph how you have used the data.
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(4)
(b) Using the data below, show that the energy available from the fusion of two
hydrogen-2,2H, nuclei to make a helium-4,4He, nucleus is approximately 3.7 × 10–12
J.
mass of 2H = 2.0135 u
mass of 4He = 4.0026 u
(4)
(c) Compare the energy available from the complete fission of 1 kg of uranium-235 with
the energy available from the fusion of 1 kg of hydrogen-2.
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(3)
(d) Fission and fusion reactions release different amounts of energy. Discuss other
reasons why it would be preferable to use fusion rather than fission for the
production of electricity, assuming that the technical problems associated with fusion
could be overcome.
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(2)
(Total 13 marks)
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Q6. In a nuclear reactor the mean energy produced by each uranium-235 nucleus that
undergoes induced fission is 3.0 × 10–11 J. In one pressurised water reactor, PWR, the fuel
rods in the reactor contain 2.0 × 104 kg of uranium-235 and 40% of the energy produced
per second is converted to 500 MW of electrical output power. It is assumed that all the
energy produced in the reactor core is removed by pressurised water in the coolant
system. The pressure of the water is approximately 150 times greater than normal
atmospheric pressure. The water enters the reactor at a temperature of 275 °C ad leaves
at a temperature of 315 °C. Under the operational conditions of the reactor the mean
density of water in the coolant circuit is 730 kg m–3 and the specific heat capacity of water
is approximately 5000 J kg–1 K–1.
normal atmospheric pressure = 1.0 × 105 Pa

molar mass of uranium-235 = 0.235 kg
(a) The equation below gives one induced fission reaction that takes place in a reactor.
(i) State the name of the particle represented by X.
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(1)
(ii) State the proton and nucleon numbers represented by p and n.
p ..........................................................
n ..........................................................
(2)
(b) (i) Calculate the number of fission reactions that occur in the reactor each
second.
number of fission reactions per second ............................................

(2)
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(ii) The reactor fuel rods contain 2.0 × 104 kg of uranium-235. Assume that all this
uranium-235 could be used.
Calculate the maximum time, in years, for which the reactor could operate.
time .........................................................years
(4)
(iii) Suggest why it is not possible to use all the uranium-235 in the reactor fuel
rods.
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(2)
(c) Calculate the force exerted by the pressurised water on each square centimetre of
the wall of the reactor.
force .........................................................N
(2)
(d) Calculate, in m3 s–1, the flow rate of the water through the PWR reactor.
You will need to use data from the passage at the beginning of the question.
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flow rate ......................................................... m 3 s–1

(4)
(e) In a PWR the cooling water also acts as the moderator in the reactor and boron rods
are used to control the power output. Describe the physical processes that take
place in the moderator and control rods.
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(4)
(Total 21 marks)
Q7. The fissile isotope of uranium, , has been used in some nuclear reactors. It is
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normally produced by neutron irradiation of thorium-232. An irradiated thorium nucleus
emits a β particle to become an isotope of protactinium.
−
This isotope of protactinium may undergo β decay to become

−
.
(a) Complete the following equation to show the β decay of protactinium.

−
Pa → + β + ……..
–
(2)
(b) Two other nuclei, P and Q, can also decay into .
P decays by β decay to produce

+
.
Q decays by α emission to produce .
The figure below shows a grid of neutron number against proton number with the
position of the isotope shown.
On the grid label the positions of the nuclei P and Q.
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(2)
(c) A typical fission reaction in the reactor is represented by
+ → + + x neutrons
(i) Calculate the number of neutrons, x.
answer = .............................neutrons
(1)
(ii) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, in the fission reaction above.
mass of neutron = 1.00867 u
mass of nucleus = 232.98915 u
answer = ..................................MeV
(3)
(Total 8 marks)
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Q8.For a nuclear reactor in which the fission rate is constant, which one of the following
statements is correct?
A There is a critical mass of fuel in the reactor.
B For every fission event, there is, on average, one further fission event.
C A single neutron is released in every fission event.
D No neutrons escape from the reactor.

(Total 1 mark)
Q9.Which line, A to D, in the table gives a combination of materials that is commonly used for
moderating, controlling and shielding respectively in a nuclear reactor?
moderating controlling shielding
A graphite carbon lead
B cadmium carbon concrete
C cadmium boron lead
D graphite boron concrete
(Total 1 mark)
Q10.Which one of the following statements is not true about the control rods used in a nuclear
reactor?
A They must absorb neutrons.
B They must slow down neutrons to thermal speeds.
C They must retain their shape at high temperatures.
D The length of rod in the reactor must be variable.

(Total 1 mark)
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Q11.Why is a moderator required in a thermal nuclear reactor?
A to prevent overheating of the nuclear core
B to absorb surplus uranium nuclei
C to shield the surroundings from gamma radiation
D to reduce the kinetic energy of fission neutrons

(Total 1 mark)
Q12.The sodium isotope Na is a radioactive isotope that can be produced by bombarding

the aluminium isotope Al with neutrons. Which line, A to D, in the table correctly
represents the production of Na from the aluminium isotope Al and its subsequent
decay?
production decay
(Total 1 mark)
Q13.A thermal nuclear reactor is shut down by inserting the control rods fully into the core.
Which line, A to D, shows correctly the effect of this action on the fission neutrons in the
reactor?
number of fission average kinetic energy

neutrons of fission neutrons
A reduced reduced
B reduced unchanged
C unchanged reduced
D unchanged unchanged
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(Total 1 mark)
Q14.In a thermal reactor, induced fission is caused by the nucleus capturing a neutron,
undergoing fission and producing more neutrons. Which one of the following statements is
true?
A To sustain the reaction a large number of neutrons is required per fission.
B The purpose of the moderator is to absorb all the heat produced.
C The neutrons required for induced fission of should be slow neutrons.
D The purpose of the control rods is to slow down neutrons to thermal speeds.
(Total 1 mark)
Q15.Artificial radioactive nuclides are manufactured by placing naturally-occurring nuclides in a

nuclear reactor. They are made radioactive in the reactor as a consequence of
bombardment by
A α particles.
B β particles.
C protons.
D neutrons.
(Total 1 mark)
Q16.(a) In the reactor at a nuclear power station, uranium nuclei undergo induced fission with
thermal neutrons. Explain what is meant by each of the terms in italics.
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(3)
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(b) A typical fission reaction in the reactor is represented by
(i) Calculate N.
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(ii) How do the neutrons produced by this reaction differ from the initial neutron
that goes into the reaction?
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(iii) Calculate the energy released in MeV when one uranium nucleus undergoes
fission in this reaction. Use the following data.
mass of neutron = 1.00867 u

mass of 235U nucleus = 234.99333 u
mass of 92Kr nucleus = 91.90645 u
mass of 141Ba nucleus = 140.88354 u
1 u is equivalent to 931 MeV
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(5)
(Total 8 marks)
Q17.The moderator in a nuclear reactor is sometimes made of graphite. What is the purpose of
the graphite?
A to absorb all the heat produced
B to decrease the neutron speeds
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C to absorb α and γ radiations
D to prevent the reactor from going critical

(Total 1 mark)
Q18.The moderator in a nuclear reactor is sometimes made of graphite. What is the purpose of
the graphite?
A to absorb all the heat produced
B to decrease the neutron speeds
C to absorb the α and γ radiations
D to prevent the reactor from going critical

(Total 1 mark)
Q19.(a) The unstable uranium nucleus is produced in a nuclear reactor.
(i) Complete the equation which shows the formation of .
(ii) can decay by nuclear fission in many different ways. Complete the
equation which shows one possible decay channel.
(2)
(b) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, in the fission reaction.
atomic mass of = 144.92694 u
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(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q20.(a) Nuclear fission can occur when a neutron is absorbed by a nucleus of uranium-235.
An incomplete equation for a typical fission reaction is given below.
(i) State the nuclear composition of X.
proton number ......................................................................................
neutron number ....................................................................................
(ii) Name the element of which X is an isotope.
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(3)
(b) In a small nuclear power plant one fifth of the fission energy is converted into a
useful output power of 10 MW. If the average energy released per fission is 3.2 ×
10–11 J, calculate the number of uranium-235 nuclei which will undergo fission per
day.
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(3)
(Total 6 marks)
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Q21.A space probe contains a small fission reactor, fuelled by plutonium, which is designed to
produce an average of 300 W of useful power for 100 years. If the overall efficiency of the
reactor is 10%, calculate the minimum mass of plutonium required.
energy released by the fission of one nucleus of = 3.2 × 10–11J
the Avogadro constant = 6.0 × 1023 mol–1
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(Total 7 marks)
Q22.(a) (i) Complete the equation below which represents the induced fission of a nucleus
of uranium .
(ii) The graph shows the binding energy per nucleon plotted against nucleon
number A.
Mark on the graph the position of each of the three nuclei in the equation.
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(iii) Hence determine the energy released in the fission process represented by
the equation.
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(6)
(b) (i) Use your answer to part (a)(iii) to estimate the energy released when 1.0 kg of
uranium, containing 3% by mass of , undergoes fission.
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(ii) Oil releases approximately 50 MJ of heat per kg when it is burned in air. State
and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear fuel to
produce electricity.
advantage .............................................................................................
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(6)
(Total 12 marks)
Q23.Natural uranium consists of 99.3% and 0.7% In many nuclear reactors, the fuel
consists of enriched uranium enclosed in sealed metal containers.
(a) (i) Explain what is meant by enriched uranium.
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(ii) Why is enriched uranium rather than natural uranium used in many nuclear
reactors?
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(2)
(b) (i) By considering the neutrons involved in the fission process, explain how the
rate of production of heat in a nuclear reactor is controlled.
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(ii) Explain why all the fuel in a nuclear reactor is not placed in a single fuel rod.
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(5)
(Total 7 marks)
Q24.(a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term binding energy for a nucleus.
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(ii) Sketch on the axes a graph of the average binding energy per nucleon against
nucleon number A, giving approximate values of the scale on each axis.
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(5)
(b) Use your graph to explain why energy is released when a neutron collides with a
nucleus causing fission.
(2)
(c) Neutrons are released when nuclear fission occurs in . Some of these neutrons
induce further fission, others are absorbed without further fission and others escape
from the surface of the material. The average number of neutrons released per
fission is 2.5, of which at least one must produce further fission if a chain reaction is
to be sustained.
Explain how a chain reaction can occur only if the piece of uranium has a certain
minimum mass (the critical mass).
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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
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M1.(a) Np → Pu + β- + ✓✓
First mark for one anti-neutrino or one beta minus particle in

any form e.g. e-. If subscript and superscripts are given for
these they must be correct but ignore the type of neutrino if
indicated.
The second mark is for both particles and the rest of the
equation.
Ignore the full sequence if it is shown but the Np to Pu must
be given separately for the mark.
2
(b) (i) T1/2 2.0 2.1 × 105 s ✓

then substitute and calculate
λ = ln 2 / T1/2 ✓
T1 / 2 may be determined from graph not starting at zero time.
Look for the correct power of 10 in the half-life ‒ possible AE.
Or
(substitute two points from the graph into A = Aoe-λt)
e.g. 0.77 × 1012 = 4.25 × 1012 exp(-λ×5×105) ✓
then make λ the subject and calculate ✓
(the rearrangement looks like
λ = [ln (Ao / A)] / t
or λ = ‒ [ln (A / Ao )] / t )
Allow the rare alternative of using the time constant of the
decay
A = Ao exp (-t / ttc)
from graph ttc = 2.9 3.1 × 105 s✓
λ = 1 / ttc = 3.4 × 10-6 s-1 ✓
No CE is allowed within this question.
both alternatives give

λ = 3.3 3.5 × 10-6 s-1 ✓
For reference
T1/2 = 2.0 × 105 s gives
λ = 3.5 × 10-6 s-1 and
T1/2 = 2.1 × 105 s gives
λ = 3.3 × 10-6 s-1.
2
(ii) (using A = Nλ
N = 0.77 × 1012 / 3.4 × 10-6 = 2.2(6) × 1017 )
allow 2.2 2.4 × 1017 nuclei ✓
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A possible route is find No = Ao / λ
then use N = Noe-λt.
Condone lone answer.
1
(c) (i) uranium (‒ 235 captures) a neutron (and splits into 2 smaller nuclei /
fission fragments) releasing more neutrons ✓
First mark for uranium + neutron gives more neutrons.
Ignore which isotope of uranium is used.
(at least one of) these neutrons go on to cause further / more splitting /
fissioning (of uranium‒ 235) ✓
Second mark for released neutron causes more fission.
The word ‘reactionߣ may replace ‘fissionߣ here provided
‘fission / splitting of uraniumߣ is given somewhere in the
answer.
2
(ii) Escalate if clip shows critical mass in the question.

the moderator slows down / reduces the kinetic energy of neutrons ✓
so neutrons are absorbed / react / fission (efficiently) by the uranium /
fuel ✓
owtte
Possible escalation.
2
(iii) neutrons are absorbed / collide with (by the nuclei in the shielding) ✓
Second mark is only given if neutrons appear somewhere in
the answer.
converting the nuclei / atoms (of the shielding) into unstable isotopes
(owtte)
No neutrons = no marks.
Making it neutron rich implies making them unstable.
2
[11]
M2.(a) ANY 2 from
• Slow moving neutrons or low (kinetic) energy neutrons
B1
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• (They are in) thermal equilibrium with the
moderator / Are in thermal equilibrium with other
material (at a temperature of about 300 K)
B1
• Have energies of order of 0.025 eV
• Have (range of) KE similar to that of a gas at 300

K or room temperature
2
(b) (i) Use of mgh = ½ mv 2 by substitution or rearranges to make

h the subject
PE for use of equation of motion (constant acceleration)
C1
0.086(1) (m) or 0.086(2) (m)
A1
2
(ii) Correct equation for conservation of momentum

m u (+ m u )= m v + m v
1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
or states momentum before = momentum after or

pbefore= pafter
B1
(Correct clear Manipulation =) 0.065 (+ 0) = − 0.0325 +

0.0975
or −0.065 (+ 0) = 0.0325 − 0.0975 must see signs
Condone non−SI here:
65 (+0) = − 32.5 + 97.5
B1
States initial kinetic energy = final kinetic energy or

States kinetic energy is conserved
Allow equivalent on RHS where masses are
summed in one KE term
B1
(Correct clear Manipulation=) 0.04225 = 0.0105625 +

0.0316875
Or equivalent workings with numbers seen
and 0.04225 = 0.04225 / KE before = KE after
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B1
4
(iii) (Percentage / fraction remaining after 1 collision =) ¼ =

25% seen
C1
OR
% remaining = 100 × ½ m(1.32 − 0.652)/ ½ m1.32
or hockey ball = 0.0317 and initial ke = 0.04225
or their KE hb / 0.04225 or their KEhb / their KET
75(%) range 75 to 76
A1
2
(iv) Demonstrates:
Slowing down / loss of KE of golf ball is like neutrons
slowed down / Neutrons can lose KE by elastic
collisions also
B1
Differs:
Collisions in a reactor are not always / rarely head-on
or
KE loss is variable
or
Collisions are not always elastic
or
Ratio of mass of neutron to mass of nucleus is usually
much smaller in a reactor
B1
2
(v) Water
B1
1
[13]
M3.(a) the amount of energy required to separate a nucleus ✓

into its separate neutrons and protons / nucleons ✓
(or energy released on formation of a nucleus ✓
from its separate neutrons and protons / constituents ✓)
1 mark is for correct energy flow direction
st
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2 mark is for binding or separating nucleons (nucleus is in
nd
the question but a reference to an atom will lose the mark)

ignore discussion of SNF etc
both marks are independent
2
(b) (i) ✓
must see subscript and superscripts
1
(ii) binding energy of U

= 235 × 7.59 ✓ ( = 1784 (MeV))
binding energy of Tc and In
= 112 × 8.36 + 122 × 8.51 ✓
( = 1975 (MeV))
energy released ( = 1975 – 1784) = 191 (MeV) ✓ (allow 190 MeV)
1 mark is for 235 × 7.59 seen anywhere
st
2 mark for 112 × 8.36 + 122 × 8.51 or 1975 is only given if

nd
there are no other terms or conversions added to the

equation (ignore which way round the subtraction is
positioned)
correct final answer can score 3 marks
3
(iii) energy released

= 191 × 1.60 × 10 ✓ −13
( = 3.06 × 10 J) −11
loss of mass ( = E / c ) 2
= 2.91 × 10 / (3.00 × 10 ) )
−11 8 2
= 3.4 × 10 (kg) ✓
−28
or
= 191 / 931.5 u ✓ ( = 0.205 u)
= 0.205 × 1.66 × 10 (kg) −27
= 3.4 × 10 (kg) ✓
−28
allow CE from (ii)

working must be shown for a CE otherwise full marks can be
given for correct answer only
note for CE
answer = (ii) × 1.78 × 10 −30
(2.01 × 10 is a common answer)

−27
(c) (i) line or band from origin, starting at 45° up to Z approximately = 20

reading Z = 80, N = 110→130 ✓
initial gradient should be about 1 (ie Z = 20 ; N = 15 → 25)
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and overall must show some concave curvature. (Ignore
slight waviness in the line)
if band is shown take middle as the line
if line stops at N > 70 extrapolate line to N = 80 for marking
1
(ii) fission fragments are (likely) to be above / to the left of the line of stability
✓
fission fragments are (likely) to have a larger N / Z ratio than stable
nuclei
or
fission fragments are neutron rich owtte ✓
and become neutron or β emitters ✓
−
ignore any reference to α emission

a candidate must make a choice for the first two marks
stating that there are more neutrons than protons is not
enough for a mark
1 mark reference to graph
st
2 mark – high N / Z ratio or neutron rich

nd
3 mark beta minus

rd
note not just beta

3
[12]
M4.(a) insert control rods (further) into the nuclear core / reactor
a change must be implied for 2 marks
marks by use of (further) or (more)
allow answers that discuss shut down as well as power
reduction
which will absorb (more) neutrons (reducing further fission reactions)

If a statement is made that is wrong but not asked for limit
the score to 1 mark (e.g. wrong reference to moderator)
2
(b) fission fragments / daughter products or spent / used fuel / uranium rods (allow)
plutonium (produced from U-238)
not uranium on its own
1
(c) (i) (electromagnetic radiation is emitted)

A reference to α or β loses this first mark
as the energy gaps are large (in a nucleus) as the nucleus de-excites
Page 32
down discrete energy levels to allow the nucleus to get to the ground
level / state mark for reason
2 mark must imply energy levels or states
nd
(ii) momentum / kinetic energy is transferred (to the moderator atoms)

or
a neutron slows down / loses kinetic energy (with each collision)
(eventually) reaching speeds associated with thermal random motion or

reaches speeds which can cause fission (owtte)
2
[7]
M5.(a) Draws appropriate triangle on graph or other mark on graph at ~ 118
B1
Change of approx 1 Me V per nucleon is multiplied by 235
B1
Multiplies by 1.6 × 10 −13
B1
Quotes their answer of approx 3.8 × 10 to more than 2 sf

−11
B1
4
(b) (2 × 2.0135) – 4.0026 seen or 0.0244 (u)
C1
Multiplies u by 1.7 × 10 −27
C1
E = mc seen or multiplies by (3 × 10 )
2 8 2
C1
3.67 × 10 J −12
A1
4
Page 33
(c) Multiplies 3.8 × 10 or their (b) by 6 × 10

−11 23
M1
attempts to convert to energy per kg by multiplying by 1000 / 4 or

1000 / 235
M1
Compares 5.5 × 10 (J) (Hydrogen) with 9.6 × 10 (J) (Uranium) in some

14 13
way eg by stating that the fusion reaction gives more energy (per kg) than
the fission or very similar values – must be consequent on some correct
analysis
A1
3
(d) Availability of fuel easier for fusion
B1
Doesn’t produce radioactive fission products / no waste management

problem
B1
2
[13]
M6. (a) (i) neutron
B1
1
(ii) p = 36
B1
n = 144
B1
2
Page 34
(b) (i) total energy produced = MJ each second
C1
number of reaction = 4.2 × 10 per second

19
A1
2
(ii) 1 kg contains (1000/235) × 6.02 × 10 atoms of uranium

23
C1
total number of fissions = (1000/235) × 6.02 × 10 × 2 × 10

23 4
(5.1 × 10 ) 28
C1
time = total fissions available/number per second or 1.2 × 10 s 9
C1
38.7(39) years
A1
4
(iii) too few neutrons produced to maintain the chain reaction
B1
probability of a neutron colliding with a uranium nucleus too low
B1
more absorption of neutrons in non–fission capture
B1
2
(c) pressure = 150 × 10 (Pa) or F = PA

5
C1
force on 1 cm = 1500N
2
A1
2
Page 35
(d) energy removed each second
E= MJ = 1.25 × 109 J or E = mc∆θ
C1
1.25 × 10 = m 5000 × 40
9
C1
mass per second = 6250 kg
C1
volume per second = 8.6(8.56) m 3
A1
4
(e) control rods
neutrons are absorbed
B1
by the nucleus of the boron/atoms
B1
moderator
neutrons are slowed down
B1
when colliding with the protons/hydrogen nucleus
B1
4
[21]
M7. (a) Pa
Page 36
anti (electron) neutrino
2
(b)
(c) (i) x=4

1
(ii) mass defect = [(232.98915 + 1.00867) –

(90.90368 + 138.87810 + 4 × 1.00867)] u
= 0.18136 u
3
energy released (= 0.18136 × 931) = 169 (MeV)

[8]
M8.B
[1]
Page 37
M9.D
[1]
M10.B
[1]
M11.D
[1]
M12.B
[1]
M13.B
[1]
M14.C
[1]
M15.D
[1]
M16.(a) induced fission: (large) nucleus splits unto two (smaller nuclei) (1)
brought about by bombardment or collision (1)
thermal neutrons have low energies or speeds (< 1 eV) (1)
Page 38
3
(b) (i) N = 3 (1)

(ii) released neutrons have high(er) energies or speeds (1)
(iii) ∆m = 234.99333 - (91.90645 + 140 88354) - (2 × 1.00867) (1)

= 0.186 u (1)
(if last term in Δm omitted or incorrect number of neutrons
used in calculation, treat answer as C.E.)
energy released = 0.186 × 931 = 173 MeV (1)
(allow C.E. for 2206,<span&x2206,m)
5
[8]
M17.B
[1]
M18.B
[1]
M19.(a) (i) (1)
(ii)
(2)
(b) (Δm = mu – mBa – mKr – 4mn, electron masses balance)

Δm = 236.04573 – 144.92694 – 86.91340 – 4 × 1.00867 (1)
= 0.17071 u (1)
Page 39
Q (= 0.17071 × 931.3 MeV) = 159(MeV) (1)
(3)
[5]
M20.(a) (i) proton number = 36 (1)

neutron number = 56 (1)
(ii) krypton (1)

3
(b) one-fifth efficiency so total output (= 10 × = 50(MW) (1)
energy in one day = 50× 106 × 24 × 3600(J) (1) (4.32 × 1012 J)
fission atoms per day = =1.35 ×1023 (1)

3
[6]
M21.100y = 100 × 365 × 24 × 3600 (= 3.15 × 109 s) (1)

energy needed = 3.15 × 109 × 300 (1) × 10 (1) (= 9.46 × 1012 J)
number of disintegrations = (= 2.96 × 1023) (1)
number of moles needed = (= 0.49) (1)
molar mass = 0.239kg (1)

mass needed = 0.49 × 0.239 = 0.117 kg (1)
[7]
M22.(a) (i)
(ii) three correct positions to within ±2 on x-axis (1) (1) (one mark if two
correct)
Page 40
(iii) estimate of energy released:
binding energy of U-235 nucleus = (235 × 7.5) = 1763(±15)(MeV) (1)
binding energy of Sr-98 = (98 × 8.6) = 843( ± 15)(MeV) (1)
binding energy of Xe-135 = (135 × 8.4) = 1134( ± 15)(MeV) (1)
binding energy released = 1134 + 843 – 1763 = 214MeV (1)
(±40MeV)
max 6
(b) (i) 235g of U-235 releases 6 × 1023 × 214 × 1.6 × 10–13 J = 2.1 × 1013 (J) (1)
1.0 kg of uranium containing 3% U-235 contains 30g of U-235 (1)
energy from 1.0kg of uranium = = 2.6 × 1012 J [[1.6 × 1025

MeV]]
(1)
(ii) advantage:
less mass of fuel used (1) because more energy per kilogram (1)
[alternative: less harm to environment (1) because does not generate
greenhouse gases (1)
or any statement (1) argued (1)]
disadvantage:
hazardous waste (1) because fission products are radioactive (1)
[alternative: long term responsibility (1) because waste needs to be
stored for many years (1)
or any statement (1) argued (1)]
max 6
[12]
M23.(a) (i) proportion of U-235 is greater than in natural uranium (1)
(ii) induced fission more probable with U-235 than with U-238 (1)
2
(b) (i) for steady rate of fission, one neutron per fission required to go on to
produce
further fission (1)
each fission produces two or three neutrons on average (1)
some neutrons escape [or some absorbed by U-238 without fission] (1)
control rods absorb sufficient neutrons (to maintain steady rate of
fission) (1)
(ii) neutrons need to pass through a moderator (1)

to slow them (in order to cause further fissions or prevent U-238
absorbing them) (1)
neutrons that leave the fuel rod (and pass through the moderator)
are unlikely to re-enter the same fuel rod (1)
makes it easier to replace the fuel in stages (1)
max 5
Page 41
[7]
M24.(a) (i) binding energy is the work done on nucleons to separate nucleons completely
[or the energy released by nucleons when nucleus is formed from separated
nucleons] (1)
(ii) average
binding energy
per nucleon
curve: correct shape, maximum at A between 40 – 60 (1)

sharp rise from max (1)
gradual fall to > 60% (binding energy)max
scales: binding energy per nucleon to 8 – 10 MeV (1)
A to > 220 (1)
(max 5)
(b) uranium splits into two fragments (1)

binding energy per nucleon rises (causing energy release) (1)
(2)
(c) number of neutrons escaping is proportional to surface area (1)

as mass increases a smaller fraction escapes (1)
because surface/volume ratio decreases (1)
hence fraction producing fission increases as mass increases (1)
(max 3)
[10]
Page 42
E1.This question was quite discriminating overall because of its synoptic nature and other mixed
components. A majority of students got part (a) correct without too much difficulty. Those
that did not, either missed off the antineutrino or they thought this stage of the decay was
initiated by a neutron. Most students could perform the calculations required in part (b)(i).
Most found the half-life and progressed from there. A significant number of successful
students substituted data from the graph into a decay equation. Most of the students who
succeeded in (b)(i) also succeeded in (b)(ii). The most common mistake was to leave out
the power of 10 from the activity reading from the graph. Part (c)(i) caused students a
number of problems. Many spent too much time saying what a chain reaction was in very
general terms without reference to the specific situation. Many scripts started, ‘A chain
reaction is when a process does something that creates an item that is needed for another
process to take place...’ Usually this was given in a much more verbose fashion. When it
did come down to the specifics students were not very careful about using the correct
terms. Although not penalised here a majority who mentioned uranium used the 238
rather than the 235 isotope. It was also common to see words like react or decay being
used where fission should have been used. Also when a single stage of the process had
been written down the next stage was not explained in sufficient detail. The words, ‘and so
on’ came far too early. In (c)(i) it was only the stronger students who knew the part played
by the critical mass. These students tended to gain both marks available for this part
question because they knew how it had an effect on the chain reaction. The majority of
the other students thought the mass had something to do with the mass of individual
nuclei and its effect on an individual fission process. The final part (c)(iii) was done poorly
by all but the most able students. Most thought that the ionisation caused by radiation
made atoms radioactively unstable. Very few were aware of the problems caused by
exposure to a flux of neutrons.
E2.(a) The majority of candidates were able to score at least 1 mark in this explanation. Only
the best candidates were producing quality answers that gained full credit. Many
candidates were unfamiliar with the term and offered answers suggesting that these
were neutrons that were produced due to heat.
(b) (i) Surprisingly, only 50% of candidates gained full marks here. A significant
proportion of candidates attempted to use the equations of motion and
consequently were awarded no marks. Candidates must be aware that these
equations only apply to situations were acceleration is constant. Some
candidates lost marks by rounding the final answer to 1 significant figure.
Many lower achieving candidates failed to correctly rearrange mv =mg

2
h , dropping the factor of was a common mistake.
(ii) This was another “Show that...” style question and again it posed problems for
Page 43
many candidates with just over 20% of candidates gaining 3 or 4 marks. A
very large proportion of candidates did not attempt the elastic collision part of
the question and limited themselves to 2 marks. Many of these candidates had
difficulty with the vector nature of momentum and their signs were often
inconsistent or incorrect. Grade A candidates typically presented well laid out
workings that were easy-to-follow, convincing.
(iii) Most candidates achieved both marks here. However, some had casual use of
powers of 10 errors on their KE calculations due to keeping the mass in
grams. This of course cancelled due to the ratio aspect of the question. A
number of candidates thought that 25% was the answer; this was due to not
reading the question carefully enough.
(iv) Most candidates gained 1 mark for stating how the demonstration related to
the moderation process. Only a small number of candidates were able to
develop their answer by providing information that was more than the
converse of the information provided, thus demonstrating a sound knowledge
of the moderation process.
(v) Just under 80% of candidates knew that water was the moderator in a PWR. A
few candidates incorrectly thought that the moderator was heavy water.
E3.In part (a) was very straightforward for many candidates. Less able candidates did not
elaborate on what the nucleus split up into or they referred to some other splitting such as
fission. Another common error was to talk about the separation of an atom into protons,
neutrons and electrons. Very few candidates got the direction of energy flow wrong.
In part (b)(i) very few candidates referred to particles other than neutrons but a significant
number failed to write down two neutrons in the correct manner. and a single were
extremely common.
The follow on part (b)(ii) turned out to be an extremely good discriminator. It highlighted
the types of errors candidates were making. There was a group who did not appreciate
the data was given per nucleon and used the figures without multiplying up by the
respective nucleon numbers. Another significant group added the mass energy of mostly
one but sometimes two nucleons into the proceedings. The last major group got into
difficulties because they changed units unnecessarily or only changed the units of some of
the terms. Overall there was a good percentage of correct answers.
A good proportion of candidates could accomplish the conversion of units required in part
(b)(iii) with relative ease, sometimes from an error carried forward from the previous part.
With the conversion needing two stages using the datasheet there was plenty of
opportunity for errors by dividing instead of multiplying or using an incorrect conversion
factor. A separate but common error was to ignore the answer to part (b)(ii) and simply
use the difference in mass of the nucleons involved, ignoring the binding energy per
nucleon completely. Less able candidates did not really help themselves in this question
because very few put words or units to intermediate stages of the calculation. If they had
done so fewer would have lost their way.
A majority of candidates did not score marks in part (c)(i). Many knew the general shape
Page 44
but very few remembered any details so they had no idea which coordinates to draw their
line or band through. Some gave no real thought to the problem and drew graphs that did
not make sense. For example some graphs went vertical or turned back on themselves.
Part (c)(ii) was very discriminating. Less able candidates simply referred to any radiation
that came to mind and forwarded very little explanation. The bulk of the candidates knew
beta minus radiation was emitted but they were not careful how they expressed their
reasons. For example, stating that there are more neutrons than protons is not sufficient
to imply the nuclei are neutron rich. A majority in this group of candidates made no
reference to the graph at all. Many that did had flawed reasoning. They thought the
isotopes were neutron rich because the large number of free neutrons in the core. Good
candidates also got into some difficulty by not reading the question carefully. Typically
these candidates would start their answer with, 'If there are a lot more neutrons than
protons then... but if the neutron to proton ratio is small then…'. These candidates
obviously knew the subject matter but did not score many marks as the question clearly
asks for a choice to be made.
E4.Most candidates were fully aware of the function of the control rods in absorbing excess
neutrons and scored well in part (a). Some candidates said too much by explaining the
role of the control rods to absorb neutrons and the moderator to slow neutrons down but
then did not make it clear which reduced the power. The weaker candidates talked about
control rods controlling the reactions without any further explanation.
Part (b) was answered well by most but it was common to give the answer fuel rods rather
than spent fuel rods.
In (c)(i) the most common answer was ‘gamma rays’ but very few then went on to discuss
energy levels. Some of those that did then spoilt their answer by referring to changing
electron levels.
Part (c)(ii) was a very good question to distinguish between the weak and strong
candidates. The weaker candidates focussed on the wording in question concerning
elastic collisions. They interpreted this to mean the neutrons maintain their kinetic energy
or momentum during all subsequent collisions.
E5.The majority of the candidates made good progress with part (a) although, once again, their
setting out of calculations was often unconvincing. This is of particular importance in
"show that" type of questions.
Part (b) was generally well done.
A significant number of candidates failed to attempt part (c). Those that did were not
happy with the non-standard nature of the calculation.
Page 45
Although candidates tended to make progress with part (d), they also tended to
concentrate on the issue of waste from fission and ignored the easy availability of fuel for
fusion.
E6. The neutron was identified by most students in part (a) (i).
There were many correct answers to part (a) (ii) but less able students did not take
account of the two ‘X‘ particles on the right hand side of the equation so obtained n= 145.
Most made some progress with part (b) (i). Obtaining the total energy produced by the
reactor proved difficult for less able students.
There were a good proportion of correct answers in part (b) (ii). Some progress was made
by a majority of the students.
Few were able to make a sensible comment in part (b) (iii).
Most were able to gain one of the two available marks in part (c) but the conversion from
cm to m was the downfall of many students.
2 2
Whilst many were able to gain credit in part (d) for making some progress, relatively few
could correctly complete the problem.
Most showed an appreciation of the different roles of the moderator in part (e) and the
control rods but the majority gave inadequate detail of the processes.
E7. The more able candidates successfully negotiated the majority of this question but the
less able found many pit-falls.
In part (a) most obtained the first mark but then did not obtain the anti-neutrino.
For part (b) some candidates did not identify the position of P. Position Q was easier for
students to identify.
A majority of candidates could balance the number of neutrons in part (c)(i) to obtain the
correct answer x = 4. Those that guessed the answer almost always gave the answer x =
3.
Part (c)(ii) was very discriminating. Less able candidates did not know how to balance the
energies and only scored marks on the conversion from u to MeV. Some did not go
directly from u to MeV and gave many lines of calculation. If correctly performed, they still
Page 46
got the mark for the conversion, but they had many opportunities to show errors and so
tended to be less successful and missed the mark.
E16.Candidates usually had a good understanding of fission processes and most were able to
make good progress with the calculation on energy release. In a large proportion of the
scripts, candidates appreciated that induced, fission, and thermal had to be explained for
the three marks in part (a). The explanation of fission itself was not always satisfactory,
because candidates referred to atoms decaying rather than large nuclei splitting into two
smaller nuclei. Almost inevitably, a significant minority of candidates considered thermal
neutrons to be ones that have been heated up rather than ones that have been slowed
down.
The calculation in part (b)(iii) produced very many fully correct solutions, even in the work
of candidates who had not been able to calculate N correctly in part (b)(i). Significant
figure penalties were, however, very common in part (iii). Because mass differences are
small, it is conventional to quote atomic masses to a large number of significant figures.
Ultimately the data in this question was limited by the three significant figures of 931 MeV,
and so examiners were not prepared to accept answers to more than four significant
figures.
E19.The equations in part (a) were completed successfully by most candidates and there were
no recurring misconceptions. Weak candidates replaced the neutron with an alpha particle
or a beta particle, or included the wrong isotope of uranium in part (a)(i) or the wrong
element in part (a)(ii).
Nearly all candidates could perform the energy calculation in part (b), with the exception of
a few weak candidates who made errors by including the mass of one neutron rather than
four, or by retaining too many significant figures in their final answer.
E20.Part (a) was done well by the majority of candidates. The usual error was to confuse
neutron number with nucleon number.
Page 47
Many candidates completed the calculation in part (b) successfully. The most common
error was to omit the efficiency of the power plant. It appears that candidates sometime
ignore numerical values that are given in words rather than figures. A significant number
of candidates believed, incorrectly, that 10 MW was equivalent to 1000 W.
E21.Even weaker candidates often scored high marks in this question although, conversely, if a
question was omitted then it was usually this one. Mistakes in calculating the number of
seconds in a year were common, with much unnecessary concern about leap years and
some uncertainty about the number of weeks or days in a year. Commonly, the number of
moles was calculated correctly, although occasionally it was equated to the mass in kg,
and most candidates could then convert to the mass in g or kg. Some candidates dropped
a mark for forgetting the 10% efficiency, and those who gave no indication of their
reasoning were penalised one mark, although they often penalised themselves by losing
the thread. Again, candidates who got ridiculous answers, often by misplacing the
Avogadro constant, rarely bothered to check.
E22.It was not uncommon for the weaker candidates to score more than 50% of their total
marks on this question.
Parts (a)(i) and (a)(ii) were completed correctly by the vast majority of candidates and
most heeded the ‘hence’ in part (a)(iii) and attempted to use the graph, with at least partial
success. Frequently, the solution did not extend beyond using the values from the graph
and treating them as values of energy rather than energy per nucleon. A few candidates
tried the more familiar mass-defect route, which was not a viable option considering the
data available in the Data booklet.
Answers to part (b)(i), though varied in style, were often successful. Part (b)(ii) was well
done, but there were many answers of a vagueness which was not expected at Advanced
level.
E23.“Enrichment means giving more neutrons” was an answer for part (a)(i) given by a number
of candidates and only a minority referred to the proportion or percentage of U-235.
Page 48
Furthermore, many candidates implied that U-235 changes to U-238. Quite a few
superficial answers were given in part (a)(ii) and 'more reactive' was a common sight.
Part (b)(i) was poorly answered by a majority of candidates simply because they ignored
the phrase at the beginning of the question ‘By considering the neutrons involved....’.
Even good candidates thought that fuel in a single rod would be an explosive
configuration in part (b)(ii).
Page 49

3 8 1 7-Induced-Fission

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Colonel Frank Seely School

3.8.1.7 Induced Fission

neptunium−239 ( Np), which in turn decays to plutonium−239 ( Pu).

number of nuclei .....................................................

(ii) Explain the purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor.

Explain why the shielding becomes radioactive.

Q2.(a) Explain what is meant by a thermal neutron.

percentage transferred ................................................. %

Q3.(a) State what is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus.

one possible pair of fission fragments is technetium and indium .

Complete the following equation to represent this fission process.

(ii) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, when a single nucleus

binding energy per nucleon of = 7.59 MeV

binding energy per nucleon of = 8.36 MeV

binding energy per nucleon of = 8.51 MeV

energy released ..................................... MeV

loss of mass ......................................... kg

Describe what happens to the neutrons as a result of these subsequent

normal atmospheric pressure = 1.0 × 105 Pa

(i) State the name of the particle represented by X.

(ii) State the proton and nucleon numbers represented by p and n.

number of fission reactions per second ............................................

flow rate ......................................................... m 3 s–1

This isotope of protactinium may undergo β decay to become

(a) Complete the following equation to show the β decay of protactinium.

(b) Two other nuclei, P and Q, can also decay into .

P decays by β decay to produce

Q decays by α emission to produce .

position of the isotope shown.

On the grid label the positions of the nuclei P and Q.

(c) A typical fission reaction in the reactor is represented by

mass of neutron = 1.00867 u

mass of nucleus = 232.98915 u

mass of nucleus = 90.90368 u

mass of nucleus = 138.87810 u

A There is a critical mass of fuel in the reactor.

C A single neutron is released in every fission event.

D No neutrons escape from the reactor.

moderating controlling shielding

A graphite carbon lead

B cadmium carbon concrete

C cadmium boron lead

D graphite boron concrete

A They must absorb neutrons.

B They must slow down neutrons to thermal speeds.

C They must retain their shape at high temperatures.

D The length of rod in the reactor must be variable.

Q11.Why is a moderator required in a thermal nuclear reactor?

A to prevent overheating of the nuclear core

B to absorb surplus uranium nuclei

C to shield the surroundings from gamma radiation

D to reduce the kinetic energy of fission neutrons

Q12.The sodium isotope Na is a radioactive isotope that can be produced by bombarding

number of fission average kinetic energy

A To sustain the reaction a large number of neutrons is required per fission.

B The purpose of the moderator is to absorb all the heat produced.

C The neutrons required for induced fission of should be slow neutrons.

Q15.Artificial radioactive nuclides are manufactured by placing naturally-occurring nuclides in a

(b) A typical fission reaction in the reactor is represented by