Free Nuclear Physics MCQs with Answers

1,254 Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.

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1,254 questions · page 15 of 63

  • A. 8 days
  • B. 8 hours
  • C. 15 days
  • D. 15 hours

Explanation: The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Correct answer: 8 days
  • A. -1e
  • B. 1e
  • C. 0.5e
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Muons are subatomic particles which belong to Lepton family. This family has 6 particles, 3 of them have negative charge.

Correct answer: -1e
  • A. X-rays
  • B. Gamma rays
  • C. Laser
  • D. All of these

Explanation: All of the above radiations are highly ionizing and can damage the eye tissue very easily if they are present in large intensity.

Correct answer: All of these
  • A. Alpha particles
  • B. Beta rays
  • C. Gamma rays
  • D. X-rays

Explanation: Alpha particles have high ionization and low penetration. So, they can be absorbed by paper.

Correct answer: Alpha particles
  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3

Explanation: A proton has 2 up and 1 down quark while neutron has 1 up and 2 down quarks.

Correct answer: 3
  • A. 1 quark and 2 antiquarks
  • B. 1 quark and 1 antiquark
  • C. 2 quarks and 1 antiquark
  • D. 2 quarks and 2 antiquarks

Explanation: 1 quark and 1 antiquarkFollowing is the table for quarks and anti-quarks:

Correct answer: 1 quark and 1 antiquark
  • A. Is a nuclear phenomenon
  • B. Is not altered by any physical change
  • C. Is not altered by any chemical change
  • D. Is a property relating to outside the nucleus

Explanation: Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon and it involves changes in the nucleus. It is not related to properties outside the nucleus.

Correct answer: Is a property relating to outside the nucleus
  • A. 0
  • B. 1
  • C. 2
  • D. 3

Explanation: The equation is: 1D2 + 1D2 →2He3 + 0n1Therefore, to balance the equation, a free neutron will be released.

Correct answer: 1
  • A. Alpha particles
  • B. Beta particles
  • C. Gamma particles
  • D. All of these

Explanation: The ionization power of radiations is as following: Alpha particles > Beta particles > Gamma raysLow ionization results in high…

Correct answer: Gamma particles
  • A. Mass defect
  • B. Binding energy
  • C. Packing fraction
  • D. None of these

Explanation: The mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of its nucleons because a small amount of its mass is transformed into energy when the nucleus…

Correct answer: Mass defect
  • A. Alpha
  • B. Beta
  • C. Gamma
  • D. All of these

Explanation: Transmutation refers to the process of changing one element into another by altering the number of protons in the nucleus.

Correct answer: All of these
  • A. Less
  • B. Equal
  • C. Greater
  • D. None

Explanation: In heavy nuclei, as the atomic number (number of protons) increases, the repulsive forces between the protons also increase.

Correct answer: Greater
  • A. Periodic
  • B. Random
  • C. Depends on atomic number
  • D. None of these

Explanation: The disintegration of a radioactive element is generally considered random and that is what we consider.

Correct answer: Random
  • A. Solid State detector
  • B. Wilson cloud chamber
  • C. GM counter
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Whole working of the Solid State Detector is based on PN-junction. It consists of a PN-junction operating in reverse biased condition in…

Correct answer: Solid State detector
  • A. 3 more neutrons
  • B. 3 more electrons
  • C. 3 more protons
  • D. 3 more ions

Explanation: Both are isotopes of Uranium, meaning they have the same number of protons (92). The mass number represents protons + neutrons.

Correct answer: 3 more neutrons
  • A. Infinite
  • B. 92
  • C. 235
  • D. 143

Explanation: The number of neutrons (N) is found by subtracting the atomic number (Z, number of protons) from the mass number (A).

Correct answer: 143
  • A. 0.69 min
  • B. 2 min
  • C. 2.57 min
  • D. 2.31 min

Explanation: Mean life and half life are related by the formula: T1/2= 0.693t. Solving according to statement: T1/2= 0.693x200s T1/2= 138.6/60 min.

Correct answer: 2.31 min
  • A. Spontaneously
  • B. When it is heated
  • C. When it interacts with other particles
  • D. When it is exposed to light

Explanation: Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process, meaning it occurs without any external influence like heat, pressure, or interaction.

Correct answer: Spontaneously
  • A. shorter
  • B. longer
  • C. the same
  • D. unrelated

Explanation: The decay constant (λ) and half. life (T₁/₂) are inversely related by the formula T₁/₂ = 0.693/λ.

Correct answer: longer