4.4.4 Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only) Spec ref. Summary of the Learning outcomes Suggested Opportunities to develop Opportunities to Self/peer assessment specification content timing (hours) Scientific Communication skills develop and apply opportunities and What most candidates practical and enquiry resources should be able to do skills Reference to past questions that indicate success 4.4.4.1 Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the 0.2 What happens when you Model nuclear fission splitting of a and split the nucleus of an atom? of a uranium nucleus. unstable nucleus (eg Can splitting the nucleus of uranium or plutonium). an atom be done at home? What type of radiation is emitted when the nucleus of an atom splits? Draw a diagram to illustrate the fission process. Describe what happens to the nucleus of an unstable atom when it undergoes fission. 4.4.4.1 Spontaneous fission Spontaneous fission is 0.2 Describe and explain how Pose question: with and nuclear fission in rare. Usually for fission to nuclear fission happens in a reference to the power stations. occur the unstable nuclear power station. conditions needed in a nucleus must first absorb nuclear power station State that the reason nuclear a neutron. for fission to occur, fission is used is that the does that affect their uranium atom decays too attitude towards slowly naturally. having more nuclear power stations in the UK?
4.4.4 Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only) Spec ref. Summary of the specification content Learning outcomes What most candidates should be able to do Suggested timing (hours) Opportunities to develop Scientific Communication skills Opportunities to develop and apply practical and enquiry skills Self/peer assessment opportunities and resources Reference to past questions that indicate success 4.4.4.1 Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the splitting of a and unstable nucleus (eg uranium or plutonium). 0.2 What happens when you split the nucleus of an atom? Can splitting the nucleus of an atom be done at home? What type of radiation is emitted when the nucleus of an atom splits? Draw a diagram to illustrate the fission process. Describe what happens to the nucleus of an unstable atom when it undergoes fission. Model nuclear fission of a uranium nucleus. 4.4.4.1 Spontaneous fission and nuclear fission in power stations. Spontaneous fission is rare. Usually for fission to occur the unstable nucleus must first absorb a neutron. 0.2 Describe and explain how nuclear fission happens in a nuclear power station. State that the reason nuclear fission is used is that the uranium atom decays too slowly naturally. Pose question: with reference to the conditions needed in a nuclear power station for fission to occur, does that affect their attitude towards having more nuclear power stations in the UK?
AQA-8463-SOW-ATOMIC.DOCX