IB Physics SL E.4 Fission questions

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Question 1

Paper 2Easy9 marks

One possible neutron-induced fission reaction of uranium-235 is

²³⁵₉₂U + ¹₀n → ¹⁴¹₅₆Ba + ⁹²₃₆Kr + 3 ¹₀n

The following rest masses are available:

Particle or atomRest mass / u
²³⁵U235.043930
¹n1.008665
¹⁴¹Ba140.914411
⁹²Kr91.926156
(a)

Distinguish between spontaneous fission and neutron-induced fission.

[2]
(b)

For the reaction and data above, use 1 u c² = 931.5 MeV and 1 MeV = 1.60 × 10⁻¹³ J.

(i)

Determine the energy released in the reaction, in MeV.

[3]
(ii)

Using your answer to (b)(i), express the energy released in joules.

[2]
(c)

Explain how neutrons released in fission can sustain a chain reaction in uranium-235.

[2]

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