Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
6.42P Recall that the products of nuclear fission are radioactive
Full specification wording
Topic 6 – Radioactivity: 6.42P Recall that the products of nuclear fission are radioactive
When a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 absorbs a neutron it can split into two smaller nuclei, called fission products, and release further neutrons and energy.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 38 of 42
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
When a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 absorbs a neutron it can split into two smaller nuclei, called fission products, and release further neutrons and energy. These fission products are themselves radioactive: they are unstable nuclei that decay by emitting alpha, beta or gamma radiation until they reach a more stable state. This is why the spent fuel removed from a reactor remains radioactive and must be stored and handled carefully for a long time. The freshly released neutrons are not the radioactive products being described; the radioactive products are the unstable daughter nuclei formed when the original nucleus splits. Learners should recall this as a stated fact rather than derive it, and should be able to distinguish the fission products from the neutrons and from the original fuel nucleus.
What earns the marks
- States that the products formed when a nucleus undergoes fission are radioactive.
- Identifies the fission products as unstable smaller nuclei that emit radiation as they decay.
- Distinguishes the radioactive fission products from the neutrons released during fission.
- Links the radioactivity of the products to the need to handle and store spent fuel carefully.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Says the released neutrons are the radioactive products.
Put it right by identifying the unstable daughter nuclei as the radioactive products.
Claims the original uranium fuel is the only radioactive material.
Put it right by noting the fission products are also radioactive.
Assumes fission products are stable once formed.
Put it right by stating they are unstable and decay, emitting radiation.
Exam tips
- Recall the fact directly: the products of nuclear fission are radioactive.
- Name the fission products as unstable smaller nuclei that emit alpha, beta or gamma radiation.
- Connect the radioactivity of the products to safe storage of spent fuel.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 6 – Radioactivity: 6.42P Recall that the products of nuclear fission are radioactive lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
When a uranium nucleus undergoes nuclear fission, what is true about the fragments produced?
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