Nuclear Reactions Quiz

Why are fusion reactions a promising energy source?

• They increase the binding energy per nucleon

• They can undergo fission reactions

• They produce some short lived radioactive waste

• They produce inexpensive and abundant fuel

What is the one purposes of the absorption spectra?

• To analyze the composition of stars

• To increase the binding energy per nucleon

• To undergo fusion reactions

• To produce radioactive waste

What happens when heavy nuclei undergo fission reactions?

• They produce no radioactive waste

• They produce inexpensive and abundant fuel

• They increase the critical mass

• They increase the binding energy per nucleon

How is 239Pu produced?

• By increasing the critical mass

• Bombard a U238 with neutron, undergo beta decay, and then another beta decay

• By fusion reactions

• By fission reactions

What is half-life?

• The time it takes for half the number of atoms to decay

• The time it takes for the fuel to be produced

• The time it takes for all the atoms to decay

• The time it takes for the reaction to be self-sustaining

What is the primary advantage of using a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

• To absorb excess neutrons and prevent the reaction from escalating

• To slow down fast neutrons, increasing the likelihood of fission

• To increase the temperature within the reactor core

• To convert short-lived radioactive waste into stable isotopes

Which isotope is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear power plants?

• Uranium-235

• Uranium-238

• Plutonium-239

• Thorium-232

What is the role of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

• To facilitate the fission process by adding more neutrons

• To convert fast neutrons into thermal neutrons

• To absorb neutrons and regulate the fission reaction rate

• To generate electricity by converting nuclear energy

What is the primary function of the heavy water moderator in a CANDU reactor?

• To absorb excess neutrons and prevent the reaction from escalating

• To slow down fast neutrons without absorbing them, increasing the likelihood of fission

• To increase the temperature within the reactor core

• To convert short-lived radioactive waste into stable isotopes

What is the main reason for using lead shielding around nuclear reactors?

• To reflect neutrons back into the reactor core

• To regulate neutron bombardation

• To increase the efficiency of the fission process

• To act as a moderator for thermal neutrons