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CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.1.2.6 Processes of Nuclear Fission and Questions

Learn how fission splits heavy nuclei while fusion joins light nuclei, with mass converted to energy.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • define nuclear fission and describe neutron-induced splitting of heavy nuclei
  • define nuclear fusion and describe joining of light nuclei at high temperature
  • compare fission and fusion equations, mass changes and energy release

CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.1.2.6 Processes of Nuclear Fission and Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The isotope uranium-235 is represented by

92235∪.{ }_{92}^{235} \cup .

Question (a)

(a)

Uranium-235 is a fuel used in nuclear reactors.

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

State the process by which energy is released from uranium-235 in a nuclear reactor.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

A nuclide equation for this process is

92235U+01n→54140Xe+3894Sr+201n.{ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}+{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \rightarrow{ }_{54}^{140} \mathrm{Xe}+{ }_{38}^{94} \mathrm{Sr}+2{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} .

Describe the mass and energy changes that take place during this process in a nuclear reactor.

[ 2 ]
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