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.

Nuclear reactor componentsAtomic energy generationPlasma reactorsNuclear fusionRadiation control

Nuclear Physics and Energy Questions

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

Which of the following is NOT used as a nuclear fuel?

  1. $U-232$
  2. $Th-232$
  3. $C1-241$
  4. $U-236$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Common nuclear fuels include U-235, U-238, Th-232, and Pu-239/241. U-232 is a decay product, Th-232 is fertile (can become fuel), and C1-241 (likely Pu-241) is a fuel. U-236 is a stable decay product of U-235 fission, not used as fuel.

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

The pressurised water reactor $(PWR)$ employs:

  1. Light water and natural uranium

  2. Heavy water and enriched uranium

  3. Light water and enriched uranium

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

Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) use light water as both coolant and moderator, and require enriched uranium (typically 3-5% U-235) to sustain the chain reaction.

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

The nuclear reactor at Kaiga is a :

  1. research reactor

  2. fusion reactor

  3. breedor reactor

  4. power reactor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The nuclear reactor at Kaiga is Kaiga Atomic Power Station.

A nuclear reactor produces and controls the release of energy from splitting the atoms of certain elements. In a nuclear power reactor, the energy released is used as heat to make steam to generate electricity. 
The use of nuclear reactor for electricity and power generation classifies it as a power reactor.

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

Nuclear power reactor is based on the principle of.

  1. Exothermic chemical reactions

  2. Endothermic chemical reactions

  3. Controlled nuclear fission

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

Controlled nuclear fission 

In a nuclear power reactor, materials that may undergo nuclear fission is used in a controlled manner to produce a steady state supply of heat. 

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

A nuclear reactor must consist of which of the following parts?
I. Electric generator
II. Fissionable fuel elements
III. Moderator

  1. I only

  2. III only

  3. I and II only

  4. II and III only

  5. I, II and III
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A nuclear reactor must consist:
 II. Fissionable fuel elements such as U-235 and Pu-239.
III. Moderator (heavy water) which slows down the speed of neutrons.

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

Boron rods, in a nuclear reactor, are used as.

  1. moderator

  2. Protective shield

  3. Coolants

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

Control rods are used in nuclear reactors to control the fission rate of uranium and plutonium. It is achieved by removing the excess neutrons from the reactor core. The only way to remove the excess neutrons through some elements which posses strong neutron absorption capacity. One such element is boron. By regulating the movement or insertion of boron rods into the reactor core while fission process is in progress, the excess neutrons produced during the chain reaction are absorbed by boron which rods regulate the availability of neutron. 


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

A disadvantage of nuclear power is - 

  1. it produces carbon dioxide which is responsible for global warming

  2. it produces toxic waste

  3. it affects the ozone layer

  4. it requires large amounts of fuel to produce a small amount of energy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear fuels are non-renewable sources of energy and large amount of radioactive materials, which are toxic in nature, are released in the environment which are extremely hazardous to the health of living being for thousands of years.

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

Cadmium rods are used as moderators in a nuclear reactor.

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Commonly used moderators include regular(light) water (roughly 75% of the world's reactors), solid graphite (20% of reactors) and heavy water (5% of reactors). Beryllium has also been used in some experimental types, and hydrocarbons have been suggested as another possibility.

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

In a nuclear power plant, uranium atoms

  1. combine and give off heat energy

  2. split and give off heat energy

  3. burn and give off heat energy

  4. split and give off electrons
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A nuclear reactor produces and controls the release of energy from splitting the atoms of Uranium. Nuclear plants do not burn anything to create steam. Instead they split uranium atoms in a process of fission

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

Boron rods are used in nuclear reactor as

  1. moderator

  2. control rods

  3. coolant

  4. protective shield
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
Control rods are used in nuclear reactors to control the fission rate of uranium an plutonium. They are composed of chemical elements such as boron, silver, indium and cadmium that are capable of absorbing many neutrons without themselves fissioning
The wide absorption spectrum of boron makes it suitable as neutron shield