AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 10
10 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Calculate energy output from power and time, recall energy equations, and analyze nuclear fission and radioactive waste management.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
10 The process of nuclear fission is used in nuclear power stations.
Figure 17 shows the process of nuclear fission.
Figure 17
10.1 Complete the sentences.
Choose answers from the box.
[3 marks]
electrons gamma rays neutrons nuclei protons
In nuclear power stations, energy is released from
uranium .
The uranium in Figure 17 splits into two parts and
releases three .
The process of nuclear fission releases electromagnetic radiation in the
form of .
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 10.2 and 10.3.
10.2 Write down the equation which links energy (E), power (P) and time (t).
[1 mark]
10.3 A nuclear power station has a power output of 500 MW.
Calculate the energy output in 3600 s.
Give your answer in J.
[3 marks]
Energy output = J
10.4 Radioactive waste produced by nuclear power stations has a long half-life.
Suggest one precaution taken to reduce the hazard caused by radioactive waste from
power stations.
[1 mark]
10.5 Nuclear power stations do not generate electricity every day of the year.
One nuclear power station generated electricity for 92% of a year.
one year = 365 days
Calculate the number of days during the year that the nuclear power station
generated electricity.
*42* [2 marks]
Number of days =
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 10
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
10.1 this order only AO1
nuclei 1 4.4.4.1
neutrons 1
gamma rays 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
10.2 energy = power × time 1 AO1
or 4.2.4.2
E = P × t 4.1.1.4
AO /
Spec. Ref.
10.3 P = 500 000 000 (W) 1 AO2
4.2.4.2
4.1.1.4
E = 500 000 000 × 3600 allow a correct substitution of an 1
incorrectly / not converted value
of P 1
E = 1 800 000 000 000 (J) allow an answer consistent with
or an incorrectly / not converted
E = 1.8 × 1012 (J) value of P
AO /
Spec. Ref.
10.4 any one from: 1 AO3
• bury the radioactive waste 4.4.2.4
• put the radioactive waste in allow store it for (at least) one
cooling ponds half-life
• transport the radioactive
waste in secure vessels
• store the radioactive waste in
metal containers
• cover the radioactive waste in
concrete
ignore references to high /
medium / low level waste– – –
ignore label the waste as
hazardous
AO / 23
Spec. Ref.
10.5 92 1 AO2
number of days = × 365 4.1.3
number of days = 335.8 allow answers of 335 and 336 1
days
allow an answer of 29.2 (days)
for 1 mark
Total Question 10 10
How to answer it
Nuclear Fission, Energy, and Power
What this question tests
This question assesses your knowledge of nuclear fission processes, recall and application of power equations (energy = power × time), unit conversions (megawatts to watts), practical safety precautions for handling radioactive waste, and percentage calculations in real-world contexts.
Completing Nuclear Fission Sentences
✅ Correct Answers
- Gap 1: nuclei
- Gap 2: neutrons
- Gap 3: gamma rays
💡 Key Knowledge
- Nuclear fission involves unstable heavy atoms (like uranium) splitting into smaller nuclei.
- The reaction releases high-speed neutrons which go on to trigger further fissions (chain reaction).
- Energy is released primarily as kinetic energy of the fission products and as electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays.
Equation Linking Energy, Power, and Time
✅ Correct Answer
energy = power × time (or E = P × t )
🧠 Exam Technique
Always write formulas using standard symbols or full words as shown on the official Physics Equations Sheet. Avoid mixing non-standard abbreviations.
Calculating Energy Output from Power
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Convert units: Power = 500 MW = 500 000 000 W (or 500 × 10⁶ W).
- State equation: Energy = Power × Time ( E = P × t ).
- Substitute numbers: E = 500 000 000 × 3600
- Calculate final answer: 1 800 000 000 000 J (or 1.8 × 10¹² J ).
❌ Common Errors
- The Mega Trap: Forgetting to convert megawatts (MW) into watts (W) by multiplying by 10⁶.
- Standard Form: If writing in standard form, ensure indices are accurate ( 1.8 × 10¹² rather than power of 10¹¹ or 10¹³).
Precautions for Radioactive Waste
✅ Correct Answers (Any one)
- Bury the radioactive waste deep underground.
- Put the radioactive waste in cooling ponds.
- Transport the radioactive waste in secure/shielded vessels.
- Store the radioactive waste in metal containers.
- Cover the radioactive waste in concrete.
❌ Common Errors
- Vague statements like "dispose of it safely" or "lock it away" do not gain credit. Be specific about containment methods or storage locations.
Calculating Operating Days
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify percentage and total: 92% of a 365-day year.
- Set up calculation: (92 ÷ 100) × 365
- Calculate final answer: 335.8 days (allow rounded answers of 335 or 336 days).
🧠 Exam Technique
Even if you make an arithmetic slip on step 2, clearly showing your working out (e.g., writing 92/100 × 365 ) ensures you pick up method marks.
Topics
Physics · P1: Energy · P4: Atomic Structure
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.