QCM : Introduction to Nuclear Fission and Fusion — 14 questions

Explication

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, and it releases energy and neutrons. The released neutrons can then trigger more fissions.

Explication

A chain reaction is self-sustaining because neutrons released by one fission cause further fissions. Control rods do the opposite of option 4: they absorb neutrons to slow the reaction.

Explication

Control rods absorb neutrons, which slows the chain reaction. Lowering them allows the reaction to run faster because fewer neutrons are absorbed.

Explication

In a reactor, fission energy heats water to make steam, which turns a turbine connected to a generator. The other choices mix up reactor parts with the power-generation process.

Explication

A key advantage is that nuclear power generates large amounts of electricity without releasing carbon dioxide during generation. It still produces radioactive waste, so option 3 is incorrect.

Explication

A major drawback is the need to store radioactive waste safely after generation. The course emphasizes low CO2 during generation, so option 3 is not correct.

Explication

Removing most control rods meant fewer neutrons were absorbed, so the chain reaction ran out of control and generated too much heat. This set up the later overheating and explosion.

Explication

The overheated reactor caused a steam explosion that destroyed the building and released radiation into the environment. Shielding is meant to reduce radiation exposure, not absorb reactor heat.

Explication

The course suggests organizing reasons into societal, environmental, and economic themes. This helps explain nuclear power use in terms of people, the environment, and money or business.

Explication

The environmental argument is framed by comparing nuclear power with stations that burn coal. Coal burning is the contrasting example because it is associated with different environmental effects.

Explication

The course groups reasons for nuclear power into societal, environmental, and economic themes. The other options list unrelated categories that are not used in this context.

Explication

The environmental discussion is framed by comparing nuclear power with coal-burning power stations. The other comparisons may be relevant in general energy debates, but they are not the one highlighted here.

Explication

Alpha radiation has the lowest penetration of the three main radiation types and is easily stopped. Beta and gamma are more penetrating, so they are not the best answer.

Explication

A radioactive isotope is an unstable atom whose nucleus can decay and emit radiation. The other choices describe different ideas that are not the definition of a radioactive isotope.