The diagram shows a simplified section of a nuclear power station. A neutron enters a uranium-235 nucleus in a fuel rod. The nucleus becomes unstable, split...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows a simplified section of a nuclear power station. A neutron enters a uranium-235 nucleus in a fuel rod. The nucleus becomes unstable, splits, and releases energy and further neutrons. Control rods can be lowered between the fuel rods. Water in a nearby pipe is heated and is used to make steam for a turbine. Engineers monitor the current produced by the generator, but they must first control the rate of the nuclear reaction safely.
(a) Name the process in which the uranium nucleus splits. [1]
(b) Give two particles or forms of energy released when the nucleus splits. [2]
(c) Explain how lowering the control rods changes the rate of fission. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The splitting of the uranium nucleus is nuclear fission. [1]
(b) Two acceptable products are neutrons and gamma radiation. Kinetic energy of the fragments and thermal energy are also released. [2]
(c) Lowering the control rods absorbs more neutrons. Fewer neutrons are then available to cause further fission, so the chain reaction slows and the fission rate decreases. [2]
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