Fission and fusion past paper questions

O Level Physics 5054 · Radioactivity. 1 Describe the process of fusion as the formation of a larger nucleus by combining two smaller nuclei with the release of energy, and recognise fusion as the energy source for stars 2 Describe the process of fission when a nucleus, such as uranium-235 (U-235), absorbs a neutron and produces daughter nuclei and two or more neutrons with the release of energy 3 Explain how the neutrons produced in fission create a chain reaction and that this is controlled in a nuclear reactor, including the action of coolant, moderators and control rods

In Cambridge O Level Physics 5054, Fission and fusion came up in 13 of the 72 papers on Paperstreak, for about 3 marks a paper when it does. It last came up in May/June 2025.

Often set with The nucleus, The three types of emission, Detection of radioactivity, Stars.

14 questions, newest first

5054/11/M/J/25 Question 38 · 1 mark
5054/21/M/J/25 Question 8 parts (b(i)) (b(ii)) · 4 marks
5054/22/M/J/25 Question 8 parts (a) (b) · 6 marks
5054/21/O/N/24 Question 9 part (a(i)) · 3 marks
5054/11/M/J/24 Question 39 · 1 mark
5054/21/O/N/23 Question 8 parts (b(i)) (b(ii)) (b(iii)) (b(iv)) · 8 marks
5054/12/M/J/23 Question 37 · 1 mark
5054/12/M/J/23 Question 38 · 1 mark
5054/21/M/J/22 Question 9 parts (d(i)) (d(ii)) (d(iii)) · 3 marks
5054/21/O/N/21 Question 3 part (a) · 1 mark
5054/11/M/J/21 Question 37 · 1 mark
5054/22/M/J/21 Question 11 parts (e(i)) (e(ii)) · 5 marks
5054/21/O/N/20 Question 7 part (a) · 2 marks
5054/11/M/J/20 Question 18 · 1 mark

More in Radioactivity: Detection of radioactivity, The three types of emission, Radioactive decay, Half-life, Safety precautions.

Questions and mark schemes from Cambridge International past papers. Paperstreak isn't affiliated with Cambridge.