Nuclear Physics Quiz

What is the nucleus of an atom composed of?

• Electrons and protons

• Protons and electrons

• Neutrons and electrons

• Protons and neutrons

What is the process by which a nucleus splits into smaller parts called?

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion

• Atomic fusion

• Nuclear division

What is the term for the time taken for half the nuclei in a sample to decay?

• half-time

• half-life

• mid-life

• semi-life

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

• Sievert

• Curie

• Becquerel (Bq)

• Gray

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

• Nuclear fusion reaction

• Nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fission

• Atomic fusion

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

• atomic energy

• nuclear energy

• thermal energy

• fusion energy

What is the most common isotope used as fuel in nuclear reactors?

• Thorium-232

• Hydrogen-1

• Uranium-235

• Plutonium-239

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

• supermassive

• subcritical mass

• critical mass

• critical point

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

• Nuclear fission

• Atomic fusion

• Nuclear fusion

• Neutron decay

What is the term for the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei?

• nuclear division

• atomic fusion

• nuclear fusion

• nuclear fission

• nuclear fusion