Nuclear Physics

What is the nucleus of an atom composed of?

• Neutrons and electrons

• Protons and electrons

• Protons and neutrons

• Electrons and protons

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

• Element separation

• Nuclear fission

• Atomic splitting

• Nuclear fusion

What is the term for the time required for one-half of the nuclei in a sample of a radioactive substance to decay?

• nuclear half-life

• half-life

• decay time

• radioactive period

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

• Becquerel (Bq)

• Sievert (Sv)

• Curie (Ci)

• Gray (Gy)

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

• Atomic fusion

• Nuclear fusion reaction

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion

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

• thermal energy

• atomic energy

• nuclear energy

• fusion energy

What is the most common isotope of uranium used in nuclear reactors?

• Uranium-236

• Uranium-234

• Uranium-238

• Uranium-235

What is the name of the process by which a neutron is absorbed by a nucleus, resulting in the emission of one or more neutrons?

• Radioactive decay

• Nuclear fusion

• Atomic absorption

• Nuclear fission

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

• subcritical mass

• critical mass

• supermassive mass

• ultracritical mass

What is the name of the nuclear reaction that powers the sun and other stars?

• nuclear fusion

• stellar explosion

• solar flare

• nuclear fission