#1
Which of the following is not a primary concern regarding nuclear power plant safety?
Nuclear proliferation
ExplanationNuclear proliferation is related to the spread of nuclear weapons, not the safety of nuclear power plants.
#2
Which of the following is a disadvantage of nuclear power?
Generation of radioactive waste
ExplanationNuclear power generates radioactive waste that requires careful management and disposal due to its long-lived and hazardous nature.
#3
What is the half-life of Uranium-235?
704 million years
ExplanationThe half-life of Uranium-235, the primary fissile isotope used in nuclear reactors, is approximately 704 million years.
#4
What is the main purpose of a nuclear power plant's containment building?
To control the release of radioactive materials
ExplanationThe containment building of a nuclear power plant is designed to contain and mitigate the release of radioactive materials in the event of an accident or malfunction.
#5
Which of the following is a risk associated with nuclear power plants?
Radioactive release
ExplanationOne of the risks associated with nuclear power plants is the potential for radioactive releases, which can occur during accidents, malfunctions, or routine operations.
#6
Which element is commonly used as a moderator in certain types of nuclear reactors?
Graphite
ExplanationGraphite is commonly used as a moderator in certain types of nuclear reactors, such as graphite-moderated reactors, to slow down neutrons and sustain the nuclear chain reaction.
#7
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
To absorb excess neutrons
ExplanationControl rods are inserted into the reactor core to absorb neutrons and control the rate of fission.
#8
Which radioactive element is commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors?
Uranium-235
ExplanationUranium-235 is the primary fissile isotope used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
#9
What is the purpose of the containment building in a nuclear power plant?
To control the release of radioactive materials in case of accidents
ExplanationThe containment building is designed to prevent the release of radioactive materials into the environment during accidents or malfunctions.
#10
What is the purpose of a nuclear reactor's moderator?
To slow down fast neutrons
ExplanationA moderator in a nuclear reactor slows down fast neutrons, increasing the probability of their interaction with fissile isotopes and sustaining the nuclear chain reaction.
#11
What is a criticality accident in the context of nuclear reactors?
An uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction
ExplanationA criticality accident refers to an unintentional and uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction, often resulting in significant radiation exposure and safety hazards.
#12
What is the primary function of the steam turbine in a nuclear power plant?
To convert nuclear energy into electricity
ExplanationThe steam turbine converts thermal energy from the nuclear reactor into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity.
#13
What term is used to describe the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts?
Fission
ExplanationFission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy.
#14
Which of the following is an example of a passive safety feature in nuclear reactor design?
Gravity-driven cooling systems
ExplanationGravity-driven cooling systems utilize natural forces like gravity to circulate coolant without relying on external power sources, enhancing reactor safety in emergency situations.
#15
Which nuclear disaster is considered the most severe in history?
Chernobyl disaster
ExplanationThe Chernobyl disaster, a catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986, is considered the most severe nuclear disaster in history in terms of its environmental and human impact.
#16
What is the primary disadvantage of nuclear fusion compared to nuclear fission?
High energy requirement for initiation
ExplanationNuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to initiate and sustain the fusion reaction, presenting significant technical challenges and energy input compared to nuclear fission.