Nuclear reactions test questions - Higher Physics Revision

1

If an element is represented as \(_{Z}^{A}\textrm{X}\), what is the number of neutrons?

A - Z

2

How do the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus change during alpha decay?

The atomic number decreases by 4 and the mass number decreases by 2

The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4

The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains constant

3

How do the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus change during beta decay?

The atomic number decreases by 1 and the mass number decreases by 1

The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number increases by 1

The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains constant.

4

Which of the following is the most accurate description of fission?

The joining of two atomic nuclei to form a larger atom of higher atomic number

The splitting of an atomic nucleus to form two atoms of lower atomic number

The splitting of an atomic nucleus to form two atoms of higher atomic number

5

Which of the following is the most accurate description of nuclear fusion?

The joining of two atomic nuclei to form a larger atom of higher atomic number

The joining of two atomic nuclei to form a larger atom of lower atomic number

The splitting of an atomic nucleus to form two atoms of higher atomic number

6

This question concerns the following nuclear fission reaction.

\[_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}+_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\rightarrow_{55}^{138}\textrm{Cs}+_{37}^{96}\textrm{Rb}+2_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]

Where masses of particles are:


Element	Atomic Mass (kg)
\[_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}\]	\[3.9014 \times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{55}^{138}\textrm{Cs}\]	\[2.2895\times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{37}^{96}\textrm{Rb}\]	\[1.5925 \times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]	\[1.6750\times 10^{-27}\]

Calculate the mass defect of the reaction.

\[2.65 \times 10^{-28}kg\]

\[1.94 \times 10^{-28}kg\]

\[0kg\]

7

This question concerns the following nuclear fission reaction.

\[_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}+_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\rightarrow_{55}^{138}\textrm{Cs}+_{37}^{96}\textrm{Rb}+2_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]

Where masses of particles are:


Element	Atomic Mass (kg)
\[_{92}^{235}\textrm{U}\]	\[3.9014 \times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{55}^{138}\textrm{Cs}\]	\[2.2895 \times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{37}^{96}\textrm{Rb}\]	\[1.5925 \times 10^{-25}\]
\[_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]	\[1.6750 \times 10^{-27}\]

Calculate the energy converted from mass in the nuclear reaction.

\[2.385 \times 10^{-11}\]

\[7.95 \times 10^{-20}J\]

\[2.11 \times 10^{-47}J\]

8

This question concerns the following nuclear fusion reaction.

\(_{1}^{2}\textrm{H}+_{1}^{3}\textrm{H}\rightarrow_{2}^{4}\textrm{He}+_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\) with masses:


Element	Atomic Mass (kg)
\[_{1}^{2}\textrm{H}\]	\[3.345 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{1}^{3}\textrm{H}\]	\[5.008 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{2}^{4}\textrm{He}\]	\[6.647 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]	\[1.6750 \times 10^{-27}\]

Calculate the mass defect of the reaction.

\[3.1 \times 10^{-29}kg\]

\[3.1 \times 10^{29}kg\]

\[3.1\times10^{-27}kg\]

9

This question concerns the following nuclear fusion reaction.

\(_{1}^{2}\textrm{H}+_{1}^{3}\textrm{H}\rightarrow_{2}^{4}\textrm{He}+_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\) with masses:


Element	Atomic Mass (kg)
\[_{1}^{2}\textrm{H}\]	\[3.345 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{1}^{3}\textrm{H}\]	\[5.008 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{2}^{4}\textrm{He}\]	\[6.647 \times 10^{-27}\]
\[_{0}^{1}\textrm{n}\]	\[1.6750 \times 10^{-27}\]

Calculate the energy converted from mass difference in the nuclear reaction.

\[2.88 \times 10^{-49}J\]

\[9.3 \times 10^{-21}J\]

\[2.79\times 10^{-12}J\]

10

Which of the following is NOT a practical difficulty in establishing a sustainable fusion reaction.

Cooling the reactor due to the high temperatures involved

Containing the plasma as it cannot touch the sides of the reactor

Insufficient energy available to make the technology worthwhile