A-Level Physics OCR A H556

Einstein’s mass–energy equation; $ΔE = Δmc^2$

energy released (or absorbed) in simple nuclear reactions

creation and annihilation of particle–antiparticle pairs

mass defect; binding energy; binding energy per nucleon

binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number curve; energy changes in reactions

binding energy of nuclei using $ΔE = Δmc^2$ and masses of nuclei

induced nuclear fission; chain reaction

basic structure of a fission reactor; components – fuel rods, control rods and moderator

environmental impact of nuclear waste

nuclear fusion; fusion reactions and temperature

Learners will also require knowledge of 5.1.4

balancing nuclear transformation equations.