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Question 19M.2.SL.TZ2.bii

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.2.SL.TZ2.bii
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ2
Command term Suggest Question number bii Adapted from N/A
bii.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.2.SL.TZ2.bii

Deuterium, 1 2 H , undergoes fusion according to the following reaction.

1 2 H + 1 2 H → 1 3 H + X

 

The following data are available for binding energies per nucleon.

1 2 H = 1.12 MeV

1 3 H = 2.78 MeV

 

Suggest why, for the fusion reaction above to take place, the temperature of deuterium must be very high.

[2]

Markscheme

the deuterium nuclei are positively charged/repel ✔

high KE/energy is required to overcome «Coulomb/electrostatic» repulsion /potential barrier

OR

high KE/energy is required to bring the nuclei within range of the strong nuclear force ✔

high temperatures are required to give high KEs/energies ✔

 

Examiners report

The most common mark to be awarded here was the one for linking high temperature to high KE. A large number of candidates talked about having to overcome the strong nuclear force before fusion could happen.

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