Practice IB Physics Topic E.4 Fission with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for E.4 Fission and mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 style where relevant.
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Which statement(s) about moderators in nuclear power plants are correct?
I. A moderator is a good absorber of neutrons.
II. A moderator slows down neutrons.
III. Without a moderator, the power plant will undergo a meltdown.
A hypothetical fission reaction releases 3 neutrons per event. For a critical mass to be maintained, which condition must be satisfied?
Must be disposed of by burying deep underground | Composed of weakly radioactive fission byproducts
A nuclear reactor transfers thermal energy to a steam turbine.
(a) the type of energy produced directly in fission.
(b) how thermal energy is extracted from the reactor.
(c) the final energy transformation in an electrical generator.
(d) why shielding is necessary around the reactor.
A moderator is used within the core of a thermal nuclear reactor. What is the primary purpose of this component?
Which of the following is true about high- and low-level waste from nuclear reactors?
| Case | High-level waste | Low-level waste |
|---|---|---|
| A | Must be disposed of by burying deep underground | Can be disposed of as regular trash after some time |
| B | Must be disposed of by burying deep underground | Composed of weakly radioactive fission byproducts |
| C | Can be repurposed to make new fuel rods | Can be disposed of as regular trash after some time |
| D | Can be repurposed to make new fuel rods | Composed of weakly radioactive fission byproducts |
II only
I and II only
I and III only
II and III only
All 3 neutrons must cause further fissions
At least 2 neutrons must escape the reactor
Exactly 1 neutron must initiate a new fission
The average number of secondary fissions must exceed 1
