Nuclear Energy Quiz

What is the primary fuel used in nuclear fission reactors?

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Uranium-235

• Carbon

What is released when uranium-235 undergoes fission?

• Only energy

• Two smaller nuclei and two or three neutrons

• One large nucleus and a proton

• Electrons and photons

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

• To increase the speed of neutrons

• To stop the nuclear reaction permanently

• To absorb excess neutrons and control the reaction

• To produce energy directly

What is the purpose of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

• To absorb neutrons

• To speed up the reaction

• To slow down neutrons so they can be absorbed by uranium nuclei

• To convert neutrons into protons

What would happen if a fission reaction is left uncontrolled?

• The reactor would shut down automatically

• The fuel would become unusable

• A meltdown could occur due to an uncontrolled chain reaction

• The reaction would stop once uranium is used up

What is the key challenge in achieving nuclear fusion for energy production?

• The process does not release enough energy

• Fusion reactions do not occur in nature

• Overcoming the repulsion between positively charged nuclei requires high temperatures and pressures

• Fusion produces highly radioactive waste

Which of the following is NOT a difference between fission and fusion?

• Fission is currently used in power plants, whereas fusion is not

• Fission produces radioactive waste, whereas fusion does not

• Fission requires high temperatures, whereas fusion does not

• Fission splits large nuclei, whereas fusion combines small nuclei

What is a key advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?

• It does not require any external energy to start

• It produces stable helium nuclei rather than radioactive waste

• It does not require high pressure or temperature

• It can be sustained easily using uranium fuel

What is a similarity between nuclear fission and fusion reactions?

• Both produce large amounts of energy

• Both require control rods

• Both rely on the breakdown of large atoms

• Both occur naturally on Earth

Which of the following components of a nuclear reactor ensures that radiation does not escape?

• Control rods

• Graphite moderator

• Concrete shield

• Uranium fuel rods