0654.P5.1.02 — State the relative charges of protons, 7 Describe the processes of nuclear fission and neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and –1 nuclear fusion: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.p5.1.02 — state the relative charges of protons, 7 describe the processes of nuclear fission and neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and –1 nuclear fusion
The newest 9 of 9 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/42 · May/June 2026 · Q12a(ii)[1]
State the relative charge on a nucleus of this isotope.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2025 · Q12b(i)[3]
Describe how energy is released in a star such as the Sun.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2023 · Q3c(ii)[1]
Describe what happens to the nucleus of a uranium-235 atom during nuclear fission.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2023 · Q3c(iii)[1]
Suggest one advantage of using nuclear fission to generate electricity.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2023 · Q6a(ii)[1]
Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclear power station. State what happens to the nucleus of an atom during nuclear fission.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2023 · Q6b(i)[1]
State the charge on an α-particle.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2021 · Q12b(i)[1]
Describe what happens to the nucleus of a uranium‑235 atom during nuclear fission.
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2021 · Q12a[1]
Electricity is generated in a nuclear power station by the nuclear fission of plutonium‑239. Describe what happens to a nucleus of plutonium‑239 during nuclear fission.
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2020 · Q9c[2]
A sample of radioactive material is tested in a hospital laboratory. A detector records the radioactive emissions from the sample. The sample is moved away from the detector. Explain why there is still some radiation detected by the radiation detector. Suggest a source of this radiation. explanation source
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
There was some misinterpretation of the question with some candidates trying to explain this in terms of energy release through radiation. The best responses referred to nuclear fusion and described this in detail.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/42 Q12(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Splitting was the most popular and correct answer. Exploding was frequently suggested.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/31 Q6(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Few candidates correctly stated the charge on an α-particle and just wrote down a number, usually 4.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/31 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.