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Radioactivity (A-level only)

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Question 63

In a thermal nuclear reactor, the core relies on a moderator to sustain induced fission and control rods to regulate the rate of reaction.

Which row in the table correctly identifies the physical principle behind choosing an effective moderator, and a material suitable for the control rods?

OptionPhysical Principle for ModeratorControl Rod MaterialACollisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transferBoronBCollisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transferBoronCCollisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transferGraphiteDCollisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transferGraphite \begin{array}{|c|l|l|} \hline \textbf{Option} & \textbf{Physical Principle for Moderator} & \textbf{Control Rod Material} \\ \hline \text{A} & \text{Collisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transfer} & \text{Boron} \\ \hline \text{B} & \text{Collisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transfer} & \text{Boron} \\ \hline \text{C} & \text{Collisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transfer} & \text{Graphite} \\ \hline \text{D} & \text{Collisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transfer} & \text{Graphite} \\ \hline \end{array} OptionABCD​Physical Principle for ModeratorCollisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transferCollisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transferCollisions with massive nuclei maximize kinetic energy transferCollisions with nuclei of similar mass maximize kinetic energy transfer​Control Rod MaterialBoronBoronGraphiteGraphite​​
A

Row A

B

Row B

C

Row C

D

Row D

Markscheme

Radioactivity (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Radioactivity (A-level only)

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.

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