Physics · Science General

Nuclear Physics and Energy

1,296 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

The nuclear reactor using water as a coolant is a:

  1. pressurized water reactor

  2. boiling water reactor

  3. high temperature gas cooled reactor

  4. sodium cooled fast reactor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In this reactor, water is used as coolant. The primary cooling water is at very high pressure so it does not boil. It goes through heat exchanger transferring heat to the loop which then spins the turbine.

Multiple choice

In a nuclear reactor, plutonium-239 can be used as:

  1. fuel

  2. moderator

  3. control rods

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

The fissionable material used in the reactor is called as fuel. The commonly used fuels are Uranium, Plutonium or Thorium. It can be U-235, U-238, Pu-236 or Th-232. Uranium is mostly preferred as it has high melting point.

Multiple choice

D2O and graphite are generally used as:

  1. fuel

  2. control rods

  3. shielding

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

Only neutrons of a fairly low speed should be used to have controlled chain reaction. To slow down the speed fast moving neutrons produced during the fission process, moderators are used. Moderator reduces the speed of the neutron by absorbing its energy but not absorb neutron. Graphite, heavy water and beryllium are common moderators.

Multiple choice

The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the Indian government signed a cooperation agreement in the field of fusion energy research recently. The European Union and India are already partners in the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. Which of the following statements about ITER is/are correct? I.          ITER operates under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) II.         European Union, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, India and the US are the are seven participants to the ITER project III.        ITER seeks to develop technology for producing power using nuclear fission

  1. I only

  2. I and II only

  3. II and III only

  4. III and I only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The ITER is an international fusion research project based at Cadarache in France.

Multiple choice

The creation of elements by nuclear reactions in stars is known as

  1. Nuclear fusion

  2. Nucleonics

  3. Nucleosynthesis

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

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which new atomic nuclei are created from pre-existing nucleons (protons and neutrons) inside stars. Nuclear fusion is the mechanism that powers this process, but the creation of elements is the broader term.

Multiple choice

The fuel used in a nuclear reactor is

  1. graphite

  2. heavy water

  3. cadmium

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

Uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors to produce energy through the process of nuclear fission.

Multiple choice

Why do we use moderator in Nuclear reactor?

  1. To increase the speed of neutrons

  2. To slow down the speed of neutrons

  3. To make the reaction fast

  4. To neutralize the ions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Moderators are used in nuclear reactors to reduce the kinetic energy of fast neutrons produced by fission. Slowing them down increases the probability of them causing further fission in uranium-235 nuclei.

Multiple choice

In a nuclear reactor, which fuel is used?

  1. C

  2. P

  3. U

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

Uranium (U) is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors for fission reactions. Other options like Carbon, Phosphorus, or Nitrogen are not used as nuclear fuels.

Multiple choice

Cd rod controls the ____ of reaction in nuclear reactor.

  1. Einstein

  2. Speed

  3. Slowed

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

Cadmium rods are used as control rods in nuclear reactors because they are excellent neutron absorbers. By inserting or withdrawing them, the operator controls the rate (speed) of the chain reaction.

Multiple choice

In a nuclear reactor, energy is produced due to:

  1. Nuclear fusion

  2. Nuclear fission

  3. Combustion

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

Nuclear reactors generate energy through the process of nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei (like Uranium-235) split into smaller nuclei, releasing significant amounts of energy.