Grade 12 Examination or Test Questions Nuclear Physics

 GRADE 12 PHYSICS: NUCLEAR ENERGY (PNG)

Instructions to Candidates

1. This test consists of four (4) parts and a total of 40 questions. Answer ALL questions.
2. Part A – Multiple Choice (Questions 1–10): Read each question carefully and select the one best answer by clicking the correct option (A, B, C, or D).
3. Part B – One Word Answer (Questions 11–20): Answer each question using only one word. Do not write full sentences or phrases.
4. Part C – Matching (Questions 21–30): Choose the option from the drop-down list that correctly matches or completes the statement given.
5. Part D – True or False (Questions 31–40): Decide whether each statement is True or False and select your answer accordingly.
6. Attempt every question. There is no penalty for guessing.
7. When you are satisfied with your answers, click "Submit Answers for Marking" to view your results.
8. If you wish to start over, click "Reset Test" to clear all your answers.
9. This test covers key concepts in Nuclear Energy, including radioactive decay, nuclear fission and fusion, reactor components, and the uses and hazards of nuclear energy, as prescribed in the PNG Upper Secondary Physics curriculum.

 

GRADE 12 PHYSICS: NUCLEAR ENERGY (PNG)

Part A: Multiple Choice (10 Questions)

1. What is the process where a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei?

• A. Fusion
• B. Fission
• C. Diffusion
• D. Ionisation

2. Which isotope is most commonly used as fuel in nuclear power reactors?

• A. Uranium-235
• B. Carbon-12
• C. Hydrogen-1
• D. Oxygen-16

3. Which type of nuclear radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

• A. Alpha
• B. Beta
• C. Gamma
• D. Infrared

4. What is the material called that slows down fast neutrons in a nuclear reactor?

• A. Shielding
• B. Moderator
• C. Coolant
• D. Fuel rod

5. Which material is commonly used in control rods to absorb neutrons?

• A. Graphite
• B. Water
• C. Boron
• D. Uranium

6. The process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy, is called:

• A. Doping
• B. Fission
• C. Rectification
• D. Fusion

7. Which equation shows the relationship between mass and energy in nuclear reactions?

• A. E = mc²
• B. F = ma
• C. V = IR
• D. P = IV

8. The minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a chain reaction is called the:

• A. Atomic mass
• B. Critical mass
• C. Molar mass
• D. Rest mass

9. Which of the following is a major safety concern associated with nuclear power plants?

• A. Noise pollution
• B. Wind turbine failure
• C. Radioactive waste disposal
• D. Fuel combustion smoke

10. In medicine, nuclear energy (radioisotopes) is mainly used for:

• A. Cooking food
• B. Purifying water
• C. Generating light
• D. Cancer diagnosis and treatment

Part B: One Word Answer (10 Questions)

11. The spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus is called radioactive ______.

12. The time required for half the atoms in a radioactive sample to decay is called the ______.

13. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons are called ______.

14. The uncharged particles found in the nucleus of an atom are called ______.

15. The substance used to slow down fast neutrons in a nuclear reactor is called the ______.

16. The splitting of a large nucleus into two smaller nuclei is called ______.

17. The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus is called ______.

18. The most common nuclear fuel element used in reactors is ______.

19. A man-made radioactive element, produced from uranium-238, that can be used as reactor fuel is ______.

20. A facility that uses controlled nuclear fission to generate electricity is called a nuclear ______.

Part C: Matching (10 Questions)

21. Alpha particle

Choose Helium nucleus, weakly penetrating High-energy electron, more penetrating

22. Beta particle

Choose Helium nucleus, weakly penetrating High-energy electron, more penetrating

23. Gamma ray

Choose High-energy electromagnetic wave, highly penetrating Charged particle emitted from the nucleus

24. Fission

Choose Combining of two light nuclei Splitting of a heavy nucleus, releasing energy

25. Fusion

Choose Combining of light nuclei, releasing energy Splitting of a heavy nucleus

26. Chain reaction

Choose A single, isolated fission event A self-sustaining series of fission reactions

27. Coolant

Choose Removes heat from the reactor core Absorbs neutrons to stop the reaction

28. Control rods

Choose Removes heat from the reactor core Absorb neutrons to regulate reaction rate

29. Half-life

Choose Time for half a radioactive sample to decay Time taken for a reactor to start up

30. Nuclear waste

Choose Fuel used to start up a reactor Radioactive byproduct requiring safe long-term disposal

Part D: True or False (10 Questions)

31. Nuclear fission releases a large amount of energy from a very small mass of fuel.

• True
• False

32. Uranium-235 is commonly used as fuel in nuclear power reactors.

• True
• False

33. Gamma radiation is the least penetrating type of nuclear radiation.

• True
• False

34. A moderator is used to slow down fast neutrons in a nuclear reactor.

• True
• False

35. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun.

• True
• False

36. Control rods are used to speed up the chain reaction in a reactor.

• True
• False

37. Radioactive decay can produce alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.

• True
• False

38. Nuclear power plants produce carbon dioxide directly from the fission reaction itself.

• True
• False

39. All radioactive isotopes have exactly the same half-life.

• True
• False

40. Nuclear waste remains radioactive and must be stored safely for a long period of time.

• True
• False

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