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School Physics revision notes: (f) Nuclear energy stores

GCSE level Physics exam revision notes on energy stores, nuclear energy store & nuclear energy defined & examples explained

[Author © Dr Phil Brown PhD: Doc Brown's physics exam revision notes suitable for students of UK IGCSE & GCSE level physics courses, ~ US grades 9-10 physics [energy-0 page updated Mar 6th 2026 *]

[KEY POINTS and learning objectives for this page, after initial notes]

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ENERGY INDEX: Types of energy & energy stores, energy transfers & selected energy calculations

(f) Nuclear energy stores

This page will help you answer questions such as ...  What is nuclear energy?  What is a nuclear energy store?   Describe an example of a nuclear energy store

Index of types of energy stores/transfers

Nuclear energy and nuclear energy stores

  • This is energy associated with the structure of atomic nuclei.

    • Atomic nuclei are nuclear energy stores and their energy is released in nuclear reactions.

    • Einstein's famous equation relates energy to mass: E = mc2.

    • When nuclear changes happen there are changes in the mass of the products and tiny amounts of mass are converted into energy - heat or electromagnetic radiation..

    • Any mass loss (m), however small, releases huge amounts of energy (E) as the nuclear energy store decreases.

  • Nuclear energy is released in various forms when the nucleus of an atom undergoes a nuclear reaction e.g.

    • Alpha, beta and gamma radioactive decay radiations release energy - but not in a form useful in power generation.

    • Nuclear fission reactions when larger atoms like uranium are split by neutrons to form smaller atoms - this process is used in nuclear power stations.

      • (c) doc b a nuclear fission reaction involving a uranium atom

    • Nuclear fusion is when smaller atoms come together to form a larger atom, but this also releases huge amounts of nuclear energy e.g. hydrogen ==> helium in a star like our Sun.

      • (c) doc b a nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium atoms.

  • All these nuclear processes release huge amounts of nuclear energy transformed mainly into thermal energy, and the energy from fission can be harnessed to power steam turbine generators to drive generators producing electricity.

    • The energy from a nuclear energy stores is caused by nuclear changes in the nucleus of unstable atoms.

    • A nuclear change releases a relatively large quantity of energy per unit mass compared to e.g. fossil fuels.

  • It is hoped one day that nuclear fusion will provide the energy, but not practical at the moment!

Key points for Physics - nuclear energy stores - energy transfers involving nuclear reactions

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA & CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations.

A detailed, syllabus-aligned revision guide on Nuclear Energy Stores, tailored for GCSE/IGCSE Physics students across WJEC, CCEA, CIE, AQA, Edexcel, and OCR exam boards:

Nuclear Energy Stores – GCSE Physics Revision Notes

What is Nuclear Energy?

Types of Nuclear Reactions (excluding alpha, beta and gamma radiation sources)

1. Nuclear Fission

2. Nuclear Fusion

  • Two small nuclei (e.g. hydrogen isotopes) combine to form a larger nucleus.
  • Releases even more energy than fission.
  • Powers the Sun and stars.
  • Not yet commercially viable on Earth due to extreme temperature and pressure requirements.

  • See notes on Nuclear fusion reactions

Energy Transfer in Nuclear Reactions

Scenario Energy Transfer Pathway
Nuclear power station Nuclear → Thermal → Kinetic → Electrical
Atomic bomb Nuclear → Thermal + Kinetic + Sound + Light
Fusion in the Sun Nuclear → Thermal + Light (radiation)
Radiotherapy (cancer treatment) Nuclear → Radiation → Thermal (in tissue)

How Nuclear Power Stations Work (Fission-Based)

  1. Fuel rods (uranium/plutonium) undergo fission.
  2. Control rods absorb excess neutrons to regulate the reaction.
  3. Moderator (e.g. water/graphite) slows neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.
  4. Coolant transfers heat to water → steam.
  5. Steam turns turbines → generators produce electricity.
  6. Shielding (concrete/lead) protects from radiation.

  7. See notes on Nuclear Fission Reactions, nuclear power as an energy resource

How Fusion Works (In Stars)

  • Hydrogen nuclei (e.g. deuterium + tritium) fuse to form helium.
  • Requires temperatures over 100 million °C.
  • Releases huge amounts of energy.
  • No radioactive waste or greenhouse gases.

  • See notes on Nuclear fusion reactions

Real-World Applications of Nuclear Energy

Application Description
Electricity generation Fission in nuclear reactors provides base-load power
Medical treatments Radiotherapy uses radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells
Spacecraft power Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) used in deep-space missions
Nuclear submarines Use compact reactors for long-term underwater propulsion
Nuclear weapons Use uncontrolled fission or fusion reactions for massive energy release

Advantages and Disadvantages of nuclear power

Advantages Disadvantages
Low carbon emissions Produces radioactive waste
High energy output Risk of accidents (e.g. Chernobyl, Fukushima)
Reliable base-load electricity Expensive to build and decommission
Long fuel lifespan Nuclear proliferation concerns

Exam Tips for All Boards

Use correct terminology

  • Say “energy is transferred from the nuclear store” not “energy is made.”

Understand the difference

  • Fission = splitting heavy nuclei
  • Fusion = joining light nuclei

Know the energy transfer chain

  • Especially for power stations: Nuclear → Thermal → Kinetic → Electrical

Practice nuclear equations

e.g. and can be tricky to balance!

(c) doc b  nuclear fission

(c) doc b nuclear fusion

 Be aware of safety and ethics

  • Understand the risks, waste disposal, and global debates around nuclear energy.

Keywords, phrases and learning objectives on nuclear energy stores

Know that energy from a nuclear energy stores arises from nuclear changes in the nucleus of unstable atoms.

Know that a nuclear changes releases a relatively large quantity of energy per unit mass compared to e.g. fossil fuels.

WHERE NEXT?

Specific notes on types of energy and energy stores and associated calculations

FULL INDEX of Types of energy & stores - examples compared/explained, calculations of mechanical work done & power notes

All my ENERGY notes

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