AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2024: Question 2
10 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Calculate energy output from nuclear power, recall nuclear fission products, state the energy-power-time equation, suggest precautions for radioactive waste, and calculate operating days.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
02 The process of nuclear fission is used in nuclear power stations.
Figure 2 shows the process of nuclear fission.
Figure 2
02.1 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 2 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 02.2 and 02.3.
02.2 Write down the equation which links energy (E), power (P) and time (t).
[1 mark]
02.3 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
02.4 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]
02.5 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
*06* generated electricity.
[2 marks]
Number of days =
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 2
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
02.1 this order only AO1
nuclei 1 4.4.4.1
neutrons 1
gamma (rays) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
02.2 energy = power × time 1 AO1
or 4.2.4.2
E = P × t 4.1.1.4
AO /
Spec. Ref.
02.3 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
E = 1 800 000 000 000 (J) allow an answer consistent with 1
or an incorrectly / not converted
E = 1.8 × 1012 (J) value of P
AO /
Spec. Ref.
02.4 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 /
Spec. Ref.
02.5 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 2 10
How to answer it
Nuclear Fission & Energy Calculations
What this question tests
This question assesses your recall of nuclear fission processes, ability to recall and apply standard physics equations (Energy = Power × Time), handle unit conversions (megawatts to watts), and understand environmental safety precautions related to radioactive waste management.
Nuclear Fission Process Recall
✅ Correct Answers
- 1. nuclei
- 2. neutrons
- 3. gamma rays (or gamma)
💡 Key Knowledge
During nuclear fission, a large, unstable nucleus (like uranium-235) absorbs a neutron, splits into two smaller nuclei, releases several fast-moving neutrons, and emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays.
❌ Common Errors
Swapping the order of terms or confusing subatomic particles (e.g., writing electrons or protons instead of neutrons) will result in lost marks. The answers must strictly match this exact three-word sequence.
Equation Linking Energy, Power, and Time
✅ Correct Answers
energy = power × time OR E = P × t
🧠 Exam Technique
Always write formulas using standard symbols or clear words. Capitalisation matters in physics equations (use capital E for energy, capital P for power, and lowercase t for time).
Calculating Energy Output from Power and Time
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Convert units: Power = 500 MW = 500,000,000 W (or 500 × 10⁶ W).
- Substitute into equation: E = 500,000,000 × 3600
- Calculate final value: 1,800,000,000,000 J or 1.8 × 10¹² J
❌ Common Errors & Traps
Forgetting to convert Megawatts (MW) into Watts (W) by multiplying by 10⁶ is the most common reason students drop marks here. However, note that the mark scheme allows ecf (error carried forward) if you substitute your incorrectly converted number correctly into the formula.
Precaution for Radioactive Waste
✅ Acceptable Answers (Any one)
- Bury the radioactive waste deep underground.
- Put the radioactive waste in cooling ponds.
- Transport the radioactive waste in secure vessels.
- Store the radioactive waste in metal containers.
- Cover the radioactive waste in concrete.
- Store it for at least one half-life.
🧠 Exam Technique
Keep your answer concise and specific. Avoid vague terms like "dispose of safely" or "make it less hazardous." State a clear, practical engineering precaution.
Percentage and Time Calculation
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify the fraction/percentage: 92% of the year.
- Set up calculation: (92 / 100) × 365
- Calculate result: 335.8 days (accept 335 or 336 days).
❌ Common Errors
Some students accidentally invert the percentage calculation (e.g., finding 365% of 92, or calculating 8% downtime instead of 92% uptime). Read the question carefully to ensure you are calculating the active operating time.
Topics
Physics · P1: Energy · P4: Atomic Structure
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.