Nuclear Fission

Q11.

(a)

(i) Complete the equation below which represents the induced fission of a nucleus of uranium-235.

+ + +

(ii) The graph below shows the binding energy per nucleon plotted against nucleon number A.

 

Mark on the graph the position of each of the three nuclei in the equation.

(iii) Hence determine the energy released in the fission process represented by the equation.

(6 marks)

(b)

(i) Use your answer to part (a)(iii) to estimate the energy released (in joules) when 1.0 kg of uranium, containing 3% by mass of , undergoes fission.

(ii) Oil releases approximately 50 MJ of heat per kg when it is burned in air.

State and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear fuel to produce electricity.

(7 marks)

(Total 13 marks)