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5.1 The nuclear model of the atom

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Question 17

The isotope plutonium-239 is represented by:

94239Pu ^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} 94239​Pu
a.

State what the numbers 94 and 239 represent in this symbol.

  • 94 is: ‾\underline{\hspace{5cm}}​
  • 239 is: ‾\underline{\hspace{5cm}}​
[2]
b.

Plutonium-239 is a fuel that can be used in nuclear reactors.

State the name of the process by which energy is released from plutonium-239 in a nuclear reactor.

[1]
c.

A nuclide equation for one possible reaction is:

94239Pu+01n→52134Te+42103Mo+3 01n ^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \rightarrow ^{134}_{52}\text{Te} + ^{103}_{42}\text{Mo} + 3\ ^{1}_{0}\text{n} 94239​Pu+01​n→52134​Te+42103​Mo+3 01​n

Describe the mass and energy changes that take place during this reaction.

[2]
d.

Describe how the thermal energy released from nuclear reactions in a nuclear power station is converted into electrical energy.

[3]
e.

State one major advantage and one major disadvantage of using nuclear fuels over fossil fuels to generate electricity.

[2]
Markscheme

5.1 The nuclear model of the atom Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.1 The nuclear model of the atom

284 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom, covering 5.1.1a Structure of the atom and ions, 5.1.1b Alpha-particle scattering, 5.1.2a Composition of the nucleus and isotopes, 5.1.2b Proton number, nucleon number and nuclide notation, and 5.1.2c Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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