The newest 8 of 8 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
Radioactive materials are stored at a nuclear power station. Suggest how the radioactive materials are stored safely.
See it on the paper →lonising radiation is released inside the nuclear reactor. Suggest why the nuclear reactor is surrounded by thick lead.
See it on the paper →Americium‑241 has a half‑life of 430 years. Suggest why the long half‑life of americium‑241 is important for use in a smoke detector.
See it on the paper →State one method of storing safely a small quantity of strontium-90 in a school.
See it on the paper →A 38 Sr source is used in a factory making aluminium foils. Describe three ways in which workers are kept safe from the effects of the radiation.
See it on the paper →Suggest a material which can be used to shield a nuclear reactor and stop α-radiation and β-radiation escaping.
See it on the paper →Suggest a safe way of storing this sample of nuclear waste at a nuclear power station.
See it on the paper →Plutonium‑239 emits β‑radiation. Suggest how a small sample of plutonium‑239 can be stored safely.
See it on the paper →Comprehensive responses • Many candidates explained the reason for shielding nuclear reactors with lead. Limited responses • A few candidates vaguely suggested not harming people.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/32 Q10(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates suggested storing a small quantity of strontium-90 in a small box or container but failed to suggest that the container should be made from lead.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0654/32 Q9(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
A large number of candidates gave variations on the same method of safety from the effects of radiation, namely, some sort of shielding. The best responses gave three different methods including references to keeping an increased distance or reducing the time spent exposed.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0654/42 Q11(a)(iii) (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.