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O-LevelPhysicsNuclear Physics5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q89 Marks

Fig. 8.1 is a diagram of a nuclear reactor. control rod fuel rod coolant out moderator container vessel concrete shielding coolant in [Figure 8.1] Nuclear fission occurs within the fuel rods which become hotter as a result. The thermal energy is transferred to the coolant circulating around the rods.

  1. (a)In Table 8.1 state the purpose of each part of the reactor. Table 8.1 part purpose container vessel to withstand high pressures and temperatures and make sure no coolant escapes concrete shielding control rods moderator[3]
  2. (b)Describe what causes the fission of a single nucleus of uranium-235 in the fuel rods, and describe what happens during the fission.[3]
  3. (c)(i)The specific heat capacity of the coolant is an important quantity in the design of the reactor. State what is meant by 'specific heat capacity'.[2]
  4. (c)(ii)Suggest and explain whether the coolant should have a large or a small specific heat capacity.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a) shielding: protects workers / absorbs radiation
  2. [1] (a) control rods: controls number of neutrons / absorbs neutrons
  3. [1] (a) moderator: slows down the neutrons
  4. [1] (b) neutron hits / collides U-235 (nucleus)
  5. [1] (b) nucleus splits / forms daughter nuclei
  6. [1] (b) emits more neutrons
  7. [1] (c)(i) amount of energy / heat needed for a unit rise in temperature
  8. [1] (c)(i) for unit mass
  9. [1] (c)(ii) large (specific heat capacity) and one of: smaller rise in temperature / temp. stays lower; heats up slower / longer time; less chance of boiling; smaller mass needed (for same temperature rise) / less flow rate / smaller pumps; more energy absorbed for same temp. rise or small(er heat capacity) and larger temperature rise (to heat boiler more efficiently) / heats up faster

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About this question

Topic
Nuclear Physics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 9 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, May/June 2025 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 8.

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