IB Physics SL E 3 3 Binding Energy Curve Questions

Interpret the SL binding-energy-per-nucleon curve to compare nuclear stability and explain energy release in fission and fusion.

Exam points

identify the most stable nuclei from the maximum binding energy per nucleon on the binding-energy curve
compare reactants and products in fission or fusion to determine whether binding energy per nucleon and released energy increase
use the curve to order nuclei by stability and explain why movement toward the peak can release nuclear energy

Learn this topic

Study E.3.3—Binding energy curve conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

[Maximum number: 5]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about renewable energy. Part 2 is about nuclear energy and radioactivity.

A small coastal community decides to use a wind farm consisting of five identical wind turbines to generate part of its energy. At the proposed site, the average wind speed is $8.5 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and the density of air is $1.3 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m}^{-3}$ . The maximum power required from the wind farm is 0.75 MW . Each turbine has an efficiency of 30 %.

(a)

On the axes, sketch a graph showing the variation of nucleon number with the binding energy per nucleon.

[ 2 ]

(b)

Explain, with reference to your graph, why energy is released during fission of U-235.

[ 3 ]

All question bank results loaded

Learn this topic

IB Physics SL E 3 3 Binding Energy Curve Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)