AQA · A level Physics

FLiBe tritium breeding and fusion A-level challenge

Can you get 100%? Use a proposed FLiBe fusion blanket to test nuclear equations, neutron energy transfer and why tritium chemistry matters.

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Question

8 marks

Answer all parts. Show your working and give units where appropriate.

1(a)

A deuterium nucleus fuses with a tritium nucleus to produce a helium-4 nucleus and one other particle. Complete the nuclear equation by identifying the other particle and show that nucleon number and proton number are conserved.

[3 marks]

1(b)

A neutron from the fusion reaction is absorbed by lithium-6 in the blanket. The products are helium-4 and tritium. Write a balanced nuclear equation for this reaction.

[2 marks]

1(c)

The FLiBe blanket surrounds the fusion plasma. It must produce tritium, absorb neutron energy and allow tritium to be recovered. Modelling suggests tritium may bind to fluorine instead of remaining as an easily removed molecule. Explain why all three functions matter to a future reactor.

[3 marks]

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