occurs when neutrons from nuclear fission go on to cause more fission events

used to absorb neutrons in a reactor to reduce the rate of reaction

used to slow neutrons in a reactor so that they can cause more fission

rotated by high pressure steam in a power station

produces a potential difference when rotated

Nuclear power stations

Physics

Evidence of atomic structure

Unstable nuclei

Nuclear decay (including beta–plus)

Ionising radiation

Radioactive half-life

Activity and half-life calculations (including complex ones)

Uses of radiation

Nuclear fission and fusion

Nuclear power

In A-level physics, some pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about probability and half-life equations, nuclear instability, Einstein’s equation E = mc2 that links mass and energy, and controlled nuclear fission.

In the Periodic table unit, in chemistry, pupils learnt about the nuclear model of the atom, the atomic number and mass number, and about isotopes of elements.

This unit covers atomic structure, isotopes, radioactive decay, and half-life. It explores alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, nuclear fission and fusion, and the uses of radiation in medicine, highlighting differences between contamination and irradiation.

Nuclear physics

Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

A heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Neutrons are absorbed, stopping the reaction.

Electrons are removed from atoms, causing ionisation.

What happens during nuclear fission in a nuclear power station?

Electrons collide, causing continuous energy release.

Fuel continuously burns, releasing heat and light.

Neutrons released by fission cause further fission in nearby nuclei.

What is a chain reaction in a nuclear power station?

Nuclear power stations require combustion to generate heat.

Fossil–fuel stations release no emissions from burning fuels.

Nuclear power stations use nuclear fission reactions to generate heat.

Which of these is a key similarity or difference between a nuclear and fossil–fuel power station?

absorb neutrons to regulate the rate of the chain reaction

contain fissile material for the fission reaction

slows down neutrons to sustain the rate of the chain reaction

transfers heat from the reactor to a separate water circuit

Match each of the following components of a nuclear power station to the correct functions.

Neutrons collide with uranium nuclei in the reactor core (in the fuel rods).

The fission of uranium nuclei generates heat.

Heat is transferred to water via the heat exchanger.

The water in the heat exchanger is converted into steam.

The steam turns the turbine, which drives the generator, generating electricity.

Sort the following stages of electricity generation in a nuclear power station into the correct order.

The moderator slows neutrons, while the control rods absorb them.

The moderator absorbs neutrons, while the control rods slow them down.

Both the moderator and control rods slow neutrons.

Both the moderator and control rods absorb neutrons.

What is the difference between the moderator and the control rod in terms of their effect on neutrons?

A place where electricity is generated from various energy sources.

A building that stores electricity for future use.

A facility used only to store and distribute natural gas.

A station where power lines are maintained and repaired.

On average, which type of power station generates most of the electricity in the UK?

burns fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, wood) to release energy

heats water, using heat from burning fossil fuels, to produce steam

the blades spin when high–pressure steam passes through it

driven by the turbine and generates electricity

Match each of the following parts of a fossil fuel power station to the correct function.

Fuel is burned in the furnace to generate heat.

Water is heated in the boiler to turn it into steam.

The steam turns the turbine, which drives the generator.

The generator converts motion into electricity.

Sort the following stages of electricity generation in a fossil fuel power station into the correct order.

Fossil fuels are currently cheap and their power stations are reliable.

They release large amounts of CO₂, contributing to global warming.

They can generate electricity at any time.

Fossil fuels are non–renewable and will eventually run out.

Which of the following are advantages of fossil fuel power stations?

Geothermal power is only available where there is volcanic activity.

Geothermal stations produce virtually no greenhouse gases during operation.

Geothermal stations rely on burning fossil fuels for energy.

Geothermal energy can be used anywhere, regardless of location.

Which of the following statements about geothermal power stations are correct?

Starter Quiz

What is a power station?