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

  1. the chain reaction is kept under control by rods of cadmium, which reduces the rate

  2. the thick concrete shield is used to slow down the speed of fast neutrons

  3. heavy water (or graphite) moderate the activity of the reactor
  4. out of $U^{238}$ and $U^{235}$ natural uranium has less that 1% of $U^{235}$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A,C,D Correct answer
Explanation

Heavy water or Graphite are used as coolants and thick concrete shields are used to prevent radiation.

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

The phenomenon of nuclear fission can be carried out both in a controlled and in an uncontrolled way. Out of the following, the correct statements vis-avis these phenomena are

  1. the fission energy released per reaction is much more than conventional nuclear reactions and one of the products of the reaction is that very particle which initiates the reaction

  2. it is the "surface to volume" ratio of the sample of nuclear fuel used which determines whether or not the reaction would sustain itself as a "chain reaction"

  3. the "control rods" in a nuclear reactor must be made of a material that absorbs neutrons effectively

  4. the energy released per fission as well as energy released per unit mass of the fuel in nuclear fission are both greater than the corresponding quantities for nuclear fusion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A,B,C Correct answer
Explanation

Statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct because of following reasons:

$1)$ If nuclear reactions are to be continued, it is necessary that one of the products works for initiating the reaction further.
For example, in the fission $^{235}U$, $3$ neutrons are released which cause fission of further three $^{235}U$ atoms.
$2)$ There are certain value of surface to volume ratio of the sample of nuclear fuel used which should be satisfied so as the fission can occur.
$3)$ Basically, the fission is continuously carried out due to production of neutrons.
In order to control the reaction, the neutrons should be absorbed.

Multiple choice

Uranium and plutonium are thermal fuels

  1. True

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

Uranium and plutonium are nuclear fuels used in nuclear fission reactions, not thermal fuels (which typically refer to combustible fossil fuels or biomass that release heat through chemical combustion).

Multiple choice

Why are there currently no fusion reactors in operation?

  1. we tried and it exploded

  2. too hard to control currently

  3. too expensive to build

  4. Not enough power production to be viable
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between nuclei. Maintaining these conditions in a stable, controlled environment for power generation remains a significant engineering challenge.

Multiple choice

Which type of nuclear reaction releases the most energy?

  1. fission

  2. fusion

  3. radiation

  4. Nukezilla
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear fusion, the process of combining light nuclei into heavier ones, releases significantly more energy per unit mass than nuclear fission, which involves splitting heavy nuclei.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a source of high-level radioactive waste?

  1. hospitals

  2. nuclear power plants

  3. uranium mines
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear power plants generate high-level radioactive waste as a byproduct of fuel rods used in reactors. Hospitals typically produce low-level radioactive waste, such as contaminated medical supplies, while uranium mines produce tailings.