Fission and Fusion revision quiz

What is nuclear fission?

• The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
• The splitting of a large, unstable nucleus
• The process of a nucleus absorbing a neutron
• The release of energy as gamma rays

Answer explanation

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large, unstable nucleus (uranium or plutonium).

What must a uranium or plutonium nucleus first absorb to undergo fission?

• A proton
• A neutron
• An electron
• A gamma ray

Answer explanation

The uranium or plutonium nucleus must first absorb a neutron to undergo fission.

What is a chain reaction?

• The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
• The splitting of a large, unstable nucleus
• A series of fission reactions caused by the absorption of neutrons
• The release of energy as gamma rays

Answer explanation

A chain reaction is a series of fission reactions caused by the absorption of neutrons.

What is nuclear fusion?

• The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
• The splitting of a large, unstable nucleus
• The process of a nucleus absorbing a neutron
• The release of energy as gamma rays

Answer explanation

Nuclear fusion is the joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Where does fusion occur naturally?

• In nuclear reactors
• In the core of stars
• In the atmosphere
• In the ocean

Answer explanation

Fusion occurs naturally in the core of stars.

What is released as a result of fusion?

• Gamma rays
• Neutrons
• Electrons
• Protons

Answer explanation

Some of the energy released during fusion is emitted as gamma rays.

What is the main difference between fission and fusion?

• Fission joins nuclei, fusion splits them
• Fission splits nuclei, fusion joins them
• Fission releases energy, fusion absorbs it
• Fission occurs in stars, fusion occurs in reactors

Answer explanation

Fission splits nuclei, while fusion joins them.

What is a common fuel for nuclear fission?

• Hydrogen
• Helium
• Uranium
• Carbon

Answer explanation

Uranium is a common fuel for nuclear fission.

What is a common product of nuclear fusion?

• Helium
• Uranium
• Plutonium
• Carbon

Answer explanation

Helium is a common product of nuclear fusion.

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

• To absorb neutrons and slow the chain reaction
• To release energy as gamma rays
• To split the nuclei
• To join the nuclei

Answer explanation

Control rods absorb neutrons and slow the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.