Physics 1.31: Nuclear Physics + Fission & Fusion

Multiple Choice

Which kind of force could hold an atomic nucleus together?

• A force that pushes two electrons apart

• A force that holds electrons and protons together

• A force that holds protons and neutrons together

• A force that pushes two protons apart

Multiple Choice

Which sentence describes the force that holds protons and neutrons together?

• It must be equal in strength to the electrostatic repulsion between protons.

• It must be equal in strength to the electrostatic attraction between protons and electrons.

• It must be weaker than the electrostatic repulsion between protons.

• It must be stronger than the electrostatic repulsion between protons.

Multiple Choice

Matter can undergo chemical reactions and nuclear reactions. Which property is conserved in chemical reactions but not in nuclear reactions?

• Kinds of compounds

• Number of atoms

• State of matter

• Type of energy

Multiple Choice

Matter can undergo chemical reactions and nuclear reactions. Which property is conserved in nuclear reactions?

• Amount of energy

• Number of atoms

• Total mass number

• Types of atoms

Multiple Choice

Which property is conserved in both nuclear reactions and chemical reactions?

• Total mass of atoms

• Number of atoms

• Type of atoms

• Total number of protons and neutrons

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements describes nuclear fusion? (Check all that apply)

• Large nuclei splitting into smaller ones

• Energy production in the Sun and stars

• Energy production in nuclear reactors

• Small nuclei joining to make larger ones

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements describes nuclear fission? (Check all that apply)

• Large nuclei splitting into smaller ones

• Energy production in the Sun and stars

• Energy production in nuclear reactors

• Small nuclei joining to make larger ones

Multiple Choice

What is one disadvantage of using nuclear fission to produce electricity?

• It produces only a small amount of energy.

• It has a limited supply of fuel.

• It is difficult to store and dispose of radioactive wastes.

• It requires very high temperatures and pressures.

Multiple Choice

Why is nuclear fusion not used to produce electricity?

• Fusion produces only a small amount of energy.

• Fusion produces nuclear waste.

• Fusion requires steam turbines, which are expensive.

• Fusion requires conditions that exist only in the cores of stars.

Fill in the Blank

What is the binding energy of 1 mole of Thorium-234 if the mass defect is 1.908 g/mol?

(Hint: convert grams to kilograms)

$$E\ =\ mc^2$$  and $$c\ =\ 3.00\ x\ 10^8\ \frac{m}{s}$$