Question 18M.3.sl.TZ2.a
| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 3] | Reference code | 18M.3.sl.TZ2.a |
| Level | sl | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ2 |
| Command term | Compare and contrast | Question number | a | Adapted from | N/A |
Nuclear power is another source of energy.
Compare and contrast the process of nuclear fusion with nuclear fission.
[3]
Award [1] for one similarity:
both increase binding energy/energy yield «per nucleon»
OR
mass loss/defect in both «nuclear» reactions/mass converted to energy «from E = mc2»
OR
both produce ionizing radiation
Award [2 max] for any two differences:
in fusion, light nuclei combine to form heavier ones AND in fission, heavier nuclei split into lighter ones
fission produces radioactive/nuclear waste AND fusion does not
fission is caused by bombarding with a neutron «or by spontaneous fission» AND fusion does not
OR
fission can initiate a chain reaction AND fusion does not
fusion releases more energy per unit mass of fuel than fission
fuel is easier to obtain/cheaper for fusion reactions
fission reactions can be controlled in a power plant AND fusion cannot «yet»
fusion reactor less likely to cause a large-scale technological disaster compared to fission
fusion less dangerous than fission as radioactive isotopes produced have short half-lives so only cause a threat for a relatively short period of time
fusion is in experimental development AND fission used commercially
Accept “small nuclei” OR “smaller atomic masses of nuclei” for “light nuclei” AND “large nuclei” OR “greater atomic masses of nuclei” for “heavier nuclei”.
Do not accept “no/less waste produced for fusion”.
Accept “higher specific energy for fusion”.
[3 marks]