Edexcel IGCSE Physics 7.22 Reactor shielding
Practise explaining how reactor shielding protects people by absorbing harmful radiation, high-energy neutrons and gamma emissions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Physics 4PH1
Exam points
- explain that shielding absorbs radiation so less reaches workers outside the reactor
- link concrete or lead shielding to absorbing high-energy neutrons from fission products
7.22 Reactor shielding question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Some of the energy stored in the nuclei of atoms can be used to generate electricity.
A nuclear fission power station generates electricity.
Some of the daughter nuclei produced in nuclear fission are highly radioactive and emit high energy neutrons when they decay.
Explain which feature of a nuclear fission reactor reduces the risks from these high energy neutrons.
- to absorb high energy neutrons
- use of concrete / lead shielding
Accept:
- absorb / reduce strength of neutron radiation
- stop neutrons escaping
- concrete walls
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