Topic 8

Question 1

Specific Energy

Answer 1

Energy per unit mass of a fuel

Question 2

Energy density

Answer 2

Energy per unit volume of a fuel

Question 3

Moderator

Answer 3

Most neutrons released in fission are fast neutrons, so a moderator is used to reduce their kinetic energy

Question 4

Control rods

Answer 4

Control rods are used to remove any excess neutrons to ensure fission reaction continues safely

Question 5

Heat exchanger

Answer 5

This allows the nuclear reactions to occur in a place that is sealed off from the rest of the environment

Question 6

Photovoltaic cell

Answer 6

Converts portion of the solar radiation into a potential difference using a semiconductor

Question 7

Solar heater panel

Answer 7

Captures thermal energy and heats water running through a pipe in the panel

Question 8

Albedo

Answer 8

Fraction of the total incoming solar radiation received by a planet that is reflected back out into space

Question 9

Emissivity

Answer 9

Ratio of power emitted by an object to the power emitted by a black-body at the same temperature

Question 10

Solar constant

Answer 10

The rate at which energy reaches the earth’s surface from the sun (1388 watts per metre square)

Question 11

Intensity

Answer 11

Power transferred per unit area