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2 marksNuclear Energy

CSEC Physics · May/June 2010 · Paper 2 · Question 6(b)(iii)

A nuclear scientist proposed a nuclear reaction for energy production: 1n + 235U → 143Xe + 90Sr + 3(1n) + Energy. Table 2 provides atomic masses for each nuclide (u = 1.66 x 10-27 Kg).

If the energy released in an alternative, natural decay reaction is 9.98 x 10-13J, which would be the preferred method for the production of a nuclear power station? Justify your choice.

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Other parts of this question

  1. 6(a)(i)Compare these two types of radiation in terms of their range in air.[6 marks]
  2. 6(a)(ii)Compare these two types of radiation in terms of their behaviour in an electric field.[6 marks]
  3. 6(a)(iii)Compare these two types of radiation in terms of their type of track in a cloud chamber.[6 marks]
  4. 6(b)(i)Calculate the number of neutrons in Xenon (Xe).[2 marks]
  5. 6(b)(ii)Determine the energy released in the proposed nuclear reaction.[4 marks]
  6. 6(b)(iv)Give the reason for your decision in (iii). [c = 3.0 x 108 ms¯¹][1 mark]

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