Q1. Which process involves the splitting of atomic nuclei?
a) Nuclear Fusion
b) Nuclear Fission
c) Nuclear Decay
d) Nuclear Transmutation
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Correct Answer: b) Nuclear Fission
Explanation: Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
Q2. In which reaction do lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus?
a) Nuclear Fusion
b) Nuclear Fission
c) Nuclear Decay
d) Nuclear Transmutation
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Correct Answer: a) Nuclear Fusion
Explanation: Nuclear fusion is the process where lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. It is the process that powers the sun and other stars.
Q3. Which element is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactions?
a) Uranium-238
b) Thorium-232
c) Plutonium-239
d) Hydrogen-1
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Correct Answer: c) Plutonium-239
Explanation: Plutonium-239 is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactions due to its ability to undergo fission when bombarded with neutrons, releasing energy.
Q4. The most common fuel for nuclear fusion reactions is:
a) Uranium-235
b) Plutonium-239
c) Deuterium
d) Tritium
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Correct Answer: c) Deuterium
Explanation: Deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen, is the most common fuel for nuclear fusion reactions. It is abundant in seawater and can be extracted for use in fusion reactions.
Q5. Which of the following is a product of nuclear fission reactions?
a) Helium
b) Carbon
c) Xenon
d) Oxygen
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Correct Answer: c) Xenon
Explanation: Xenon is one of the products formed during nuclear fission reactions. It is a noble gas and is often released as a byproduct in nuclear reactors.
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for nuclear fusion reactions to occur?
a) High temperature
b) High pressure
c) High density
d) Low energy
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Correct Answer: d) Low energy
Explanation: Nuclear fusion reactions require high temperature, high pressure, and high density conditions to occur. Low energy conditions are not conducive to sustaining fusion reactions.
Q7. Which of the following is an advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?
a) Production of radioactive waste
b) Controlled reaction
c) Potential for unlimited fuel supply
d) High risk of catastrophic accidents
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Correct Answer: c) Potential for unlimited fuel supply
Explanation: Unlike nuclear fission, nuclear fusion has the potential for an almost unlimited fuel supply as it utilizes isotopes of hydrogen, which are abundant in nature.
Q8. What is the primary source of energy in a hydrogen bomb?
a) Nuclear Fission
b) Nuclear Fusion
c) Chemical Reaction
d) Solar Energy
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Correct Answer: b) Nuclear Fusion
Explanation: The primary source of energy in a hydrogen bomb is nuclear fusion. The fusion of hydrogen isotopes releases a tremendous amount of energy, much greater than that of nuclear fission reactions.
Q9. Which of the following isotopes is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactors?
a) Uranium-238
b) Uranium-235
c) Thorium-232
d) Plutonium-240
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Correct Answer: b) Uranium-235
Explanation: Uranium-235 is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactors due to its ability to sustain a chain reaction when bombarded with neutrons.
Q10. Which of the following statements is true regarding nuclear fusion?
a) It is currently a commercially viable energy source.
b) It produces large amounts of long-lived radioactive waste.
c) It releases energy by splitting atomic nuclei.
d) It powers most of the world’s current nuclear reactors.
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Correct Answer: c) It releases energy by splitting atomic nuclei.
Explanation: Nuclear fusion releases energy by combining light atomic nuclei, not by splitting them as in nuclear fission. It is still in the experimental stage for commercial energy production.