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A Level Physics Tutor

Nuclear Fission 
& Nuclear Fusion

Introduction
 

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are nuclear reactions in which energy is released because the products have a greater binding energy per nucleon than the original nuclei. Understanding why these reactions release energy requires knowledge of mass defect, binding energy and the binding energy per nucleon curve.
 

In this topic, students learn how fission and fusion occur, why energy is released, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each process. These ideas form an important part of the AQA A Level Physics Nuclear Physics topic.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification 3.2.3.2 Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion
 

What You Need to Know
 

  • Define nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

  • Explain why energy is released during both fission and fusion.

  • Interpret the binding energy per nucleon graph.

  • Explain why heavy nuclei release energy by fission.

  • Explain why light nuclei release energy by fusion.

  • Understand that both processes move nuclei towards greater stability.

  • Describe how fission is used in nuclear power stations.

  • Describe the conditions required for nuclear fusion.

  • Compare the advantages and disadvantages of fission and fusion as energy sources.

  • Perform calculations involving mass defect, binding energy and energy released using:

    • E = mc²

    • 1 u = 931.5 MeV
       

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Nuclear Fission & Nuclear Fusion Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

This downloadable resource contains:
 

  • Concise revision notes

  • AQA-style exam questions

  • Fully worked solutions

  • Examiner-style calculations involving binding energy and mass defect

  • Common examination questions on fission and fusion
     

Related Topics
 

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