Physics IGCSE Nuclear Physics Quiz

What is the process by which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei called?

• atomic fusion

• nuclear fusion

• nuclear fission

• nuclear fusion

What is the term for the energy released when a nucleus undergoes a nuclear reaction?

• nuclear energy

• wind energy

• solar energy

• thermal energy

What is the unit used to measure the rate of radioactive decay?

• m/s^2

• Hz

• kg

• Bq

What is the term for the time taken for the count rate of a radioactive isotope to fall to half of its initial value?

• quarter-life

• half-life

• full-life

• double-life

What is the process by which two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus called?

• Nuclear fission

• Chemical reaction

• Nuclear fusion

• Photosynthesis

What is the term for the minimum mass of a fissionable material required to sustain a chain reaction?

• optimal mass

• maximum mass

• critical mass

• subcritical mass

What is the term for the process by which a neutron is captured by a nucleus, resulting in the emission of gamma radiation?

• neutron capture

• alpha capture

• electron capture

• proton capture

What is the term for the process by which a heavy nucleus captures a neutron and then undergoes beta decay?

• Electron capture followed by alpha decay

• Proton capture followed by gamma decay

• Neutron capture followed by beta decay

• Neutron emission followed by alpha decay

What is the term for the process by which a heavy nucleus emits an alpha particle?

• Neutron decay

• Beta decay

• Alpha decay

• Gamma decay

What is the term for the process by which a heavy nucleus emits a beta particle?

• Gamma decay

• Alpha decay

• Delta decay

• Beta decay