For a thermal nuclear reactor to achieve criticality, fast neutrons produced by fission must be moderated to thermal energies. Explain why thermal neutrons are significantly more effective at inducing fission in 92235U^{235}_{92}\text{U}92235U than fast neutrons.
The selection of materials for control rods is crucial for reactor safety and operation. State two properties required of a control rod material, explaining why each property is necessary.
When demand on the electrical grid increases, the power output of a thermal nuclear power plant must be scaled up. Describe how this power increase is achieved within the reactor core, explaining the sequence of events leading to a higher stable rate of energy release.
128 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Radioactivity (A-level only), covering Rutherford scattering (A-level only), $\alpha$ , $\beta$ and $\gamma$ radiation (A-level only), Radioactive decay (A-level only), Nuclear instability (A-level only), Nuclear radius (A-level only), Mass and energy (A-level only), Induced fission (A-level only), and Safety aspects (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.