Physics · Science General

Nuclear Physics and Energy

1,324 Questions

Access a comprehensive set of questions on nuclear physics, reactor mechanisms, and atomic energy. Topics include nuclear fission, plasma generation, and radiation control. These physics questions form a core part of the syllabus for various engineering and civil service exams.

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Nuclear Physics and Energy Questions

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

In a nuclear reactor, it is desirable to use reactor core in the form of ____________.

  1. cubical or cylindrical

  2. cubical or spherical

  3. cylindrical or spherical

  4. spherical
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In a nuclear reactor core from a physical standpoint, the best reactor core shape is a sphere, but design considerations often dictate a cylindrical shape.

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

In nuclear reactor, graphite is used as ___________.

  1. Fuel

  2. Coolant

  3. Moderator

  4. Electrode
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In nuclear engineering, a neutron moderator is a medium that reduces the speed of fast neutrons, thereby turning them into thermal neutrons capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction involving U-235 or a fissile nuclide. Graphite is used as moderator in nuclear reactor.

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

In a nuclear reactor, nuclear energy is obtained by breaking the nucleus of uranium by :

  1. fast moving neutrons

  2. fast moving electrons

  3. slow moving electrons

  4. slow moving neutrons
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

D

In fission each nucleus of uranium -235 emits on an average more than two neutrons. If one of these two neutrons is absorbed by another uranium -235 nucleus, causing it to fission, thus we can have a sustainable chain reaction. However, only a slow neutron, rather than a fast neutron has a high cross section( chance) of absorption. That is why slow moving neutrons are used. 

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

The sources of energy obtained in a nuclear reaction are :

  1. Mass defect

  2. Binding energy

  3. Fission

  4. Fusion

  5. All of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

In fusion a heavy nucleus is splitted into two nuclei of comparable masses. The mass of parent nucleus is greater than the total mass of daughter nuclei, some mass is disappeared, this is mass defect and this mass appeared as the binding energy.

In fusion two or more than two light nuclei fuse together to form a heavy nucleus. The sum of masses of light nuclei is greater than the total mass of heavy nucleus, some mass is disappeared, this is mass defect and this mass appeared as the binding energy.

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

Nuclear power stations are usually located near source of water because.

  1. Fuel could be transported to the station by ships

  2. Chemical wastes are discharged into the river

  3. Water is used as coolant and moderator

  4. Water is used to rotate the turbines of the generator
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Water can be used as coolant and moderator

Nuclear power stations are usually located near water source because water is used as coolant and moderator. 

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

The control rod in a nuclear reactor is made of.

  1. Cadmium

  2. Uranium

  3. Graphite

  4. Plutonium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Control rods are used in nuclear reactors to control the fision rate of uranium and plutonium. They are composed of chemical elements such as boron, silver, indium and cadmium that are capable of absorbing many neutrons without themselves fissioning.

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

In a nuclear reactor the excess reactivity can be controlled by using _____________ rods.

  1. Lead rods

  2. Iron rods

  3. Uranium rods

  4. Cadmium rods
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Lead rods 

In nuclear reactor the lead rods have the ability to control the excess reactivity by suitably absorbing the neutrons and thus making the reaction controllable. 

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

Cadmium rods are used in a nuclear reactor

  1. To produce neutrons

  2. To speed up neutrons

  3. To absorb neutrons

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

To absorb neutrons 

Cadmium rods are inserted in nuclear reacter to absorb the extra nucleons any keep the nuclear reaction ratio of  1:1 , also keep the reaction stable. Cadmium has a high thermal neutron absorption cross section. Therefore cadmium rods will absorb neutrons, making them unavailable to cause fission.

Multiple choice chemistry nuclear physics nuclear reactor the nuclear power station isotopes and nuclear chemistry

In a nuclear reactor heavy water is used as a.

  1. Moderate

  2. Fuel

  3. Shield

  4. Controlling element
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Moderator 

A neutron moderator is a modium that reduces the spread of fast neutrons, thereby turning them into thermal neutrons capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction involving U-235. Heavy water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactor.