Nuclear Fusion and Chain Reactions Quiz

What is the primary reason neutrons are used instead of protons in nuclear fusion?

• Neutrons are negatively charged.

• Protons are too small.

• Protons are unstable.

• Neutrons do not repel the nucleus.

What happens to a nucleus when it absorbs a neutron?

• It becomes more stable.

• It releases protons.

• It becomes unstable and splits.

• It loses energy.

What is released during a nuclear fusion reaction besides smaller nuclei?

• Neutrons and energy

• Electrons

• Protons

• Photons

What is the term for the mass lost during a nuclear reaction?

• Mass defect

• Mass gain

• Mass stability

• Mass increase

Which formula is used to calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction?

• E = mc^2

• E = mv^2

• E = mv

• E = mc

How much energy is released from a small mass defect in nuclear reactions?

• A few megajoules

• A few kilojoules

• A few billion joules

• A few joules

What is a chain reaction in the context of nuclear reactions?

• A reaction that absorbs energy

• A series of reactions initiated by released neutrons

• A reaction that requires no neutrons

• A single reaction that stops immediately

What is required for a chain reaction to continue?

• Low energy neutrons

• Critical mass of fissile material

• High pressure

• High temperature

What happens if the mass of fissile material is below the critical mass?

• The reaction releases more energy

• The reaction becomes explosive

• The reaction stops

• The reaction speeds up

What is the role of neutrons in a chain reaction?

• They stabilize the reaction

• They initiate further reactions

• They absorb energy

• They slow down the reaction