Nuclear fission splits a large nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and more neutrons, so this Year 11 sheet opens with the splitting reaction and its products. The answers add fusion in the Sun and stars, and energy as the released quantity.
Key Takeaways
Fission splits a large nucleus into smaller nuclei (Q1).
Fission releases energy and more neutrons (Q2).
Q4 records fusion in the Sun and stars.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark Each)
Choose the correct option for each question.
1.Nuclear fission is the splitting of which of the following?
(a) a large nucleus into smaller nuclei(b) a small nucleus into protons(c) a molecule into atoms(d) an atom into electrons
2.During fission, a nucleus absorbs a neutron and releases what?
(a) energy and more neutrons(b) only light(c) only electrons(d) heat but no neutrons
3.Nuclear fusion is the joining together of which of the following?
(a) small nuclei to form a larger nucleus(b) large nuclei to form smaller nuclei(c) protons and electrons(d) atoms into molecules
4.Where does nuclear fusion happen naturally?
(a) in the Sun and stars(b) in nuclear power stations(c) in batteries(d) in the atmosphere
5.A chain reaction occurs when the neutrons released by fission do what?
(a) cause further fissions(b) are absorbed by lead(c) stop the reaction(d) escape from the reactor
6.The equation E = m × c² shows that mass can be converted into what?
(a) energy(b) a magnetic field(c) voltage(d) pressure
Section B: Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks Each)
Show all steps clearly.
7.Define nuclear fission.
8.Define nuclear fusion.
9.What is a chain reaction?
10.Where does fusion occur naturally?
11.Where does the energy released in a fission reaction come from?
12.State what the equation E = m × c² means in words.
13.Why is nuclear fusion difficult to achieve on Earth?
14.Give one difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
Section C: Numericals & Word Problems (3 Marks Each)
Apply the concepts to solve the problems. Show all working.
15.A mass of 1 × 10⁻¹⁵ kg is converted into energy. Using E = m × c² with c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s, calculate the energy released.
16.A mass of 2 × 10⁻¹⁴ kg is converted into energy. Using E = m × c² with c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s, calculate the energy released.
17.An energy of 1.8 × 10¹³ J is released. Using m = E ÷ c² with c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s, calculate the mass converted into energy.
18.Each fission of a uranium nucleus releases 3.2 × 10⁻¹¹ J of energy. Calculate the energy released by 1000 fissions.
19.A mass of 5 × 10⁻⁶ kg is converted into energy. Using E = m × c², calculate the energy released.
20.A mass of 1 × 10⁻³ kg (1 g) is converted into energy. Using E = m × c², calculate the energy released.
Answer Key
1. a) a large nucleus into smaller nuclei
2. a) energy and more neutrons
3. a) small nuclei to form a larger nucleus
4. a) in the Sun and stars
5. a) cause further fissions
6. a) energy
7. Refer to solution guide.
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End of Worksheet
People Also Ask
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei, option (a) in this worksheet (Q1).
What does a nucleus release during fission?
Energy and more neutrons, option (a) in this worksheet (Q2).
Where does fusion happen naturally?
In the Sun and stars, option (a) in this worksheet (Q4).
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