Edexcel International GCSE Physics7c Fission and fusion Checklist

Papers 1 and 2

• I know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy.
• I understand how a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) when a neutron collides with it, and that this process releases energy as kinetic energy of the fission products.
• I know that the fission of U-235 produces two radioactive daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons.
• I can describe how a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons from one fission strike other U-235 nuclei.
• I can describe the part the control rods and the moderator play in the fission process.
• I understand the role of the shielding around a nuclear reactor.
• I can explain the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
• I can describe nuclear fusion as smaller nuclei forming larger nuclei, with a loss of mass and a release of energy.
• I know that fusion is the energy source of stars.
• I can explain why nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures and pressures, because of the electrostatic repulsion between protons.