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 47 of 63

  • A. Decay
  • B. Dielectric
  • C. Plank's
  • D. Proportionality

Explanation: This term generally refers to a reduction in quantity or intensity, particularly in contexts like radioactive decay

Correct answer: Decay
  • A. Atoms
  • B. Isotopes
  • C. Nucleons
  • D. Neutrons

Explanation: This option is correct. Isotopes are forms of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Correct answer: Isotopes
  • A. Proton
  • B. Neutron:
  • C. Neutron plus proton:
  • D. Proton plus electron:

Explanation: The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This is the definition of mass number.This is the correct answer.

Correct answer: Neutron plus proton:
  • A. 234U
  • B. 235U
  • C. 236U
  • D. 237U

Explanation: Uranium-235 is a fissile isotope, meaning it can undergo fission when struck by a slow neutron.

Correct answer: 235U
  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. Both I and II
  • D. neither I nor II

Explanation: Alpha particles (low penetration) have high ionization, and gamma rays (high penetration) have low ionization.This demonstrates that both…

Correct answer: Both I and II
  • A. 12.5%
  • B. 50%
  • C. 87.5%
  • D. 100%

Explanation: After 3 half-lives, 1/8 of the original remains, meaning 7/8 (87.5%) has decayed.This is the correct answer.

Correct answer: 87.5%
  • A. H1
  • B. D2
  • C. T3
  • D. All of these

Explanation: Tritium is unstable and undergoes beta decay, transforming into helium-3 with a half-life of about 12.3 years, making this the correct…

Correct answer: T3
  • A. 30kJ
  • B. 48kJ
  • C. 35kJ
  • D. 32kJ

Explanation: correct. Here's the correct calculation:Understanding Gray (Gy):1 Gray (Gy) is defined as 1 joule (J) of energy absorbed per kilogram (kg)…

Correct answer: 32kJ
  • A. γ-rays
  • B. X-rays
  • C. Visible rays
  • D. All of these

Explanation: X-rays - Correct: X-rays are commonly used in CT scans to determine the size and location of tumors in the brain.

Correct answer: X-rays
  • A. Phosphorus-32
  • B. Strontium-90
  • C. Carbon-12
  • D. Both A and B

Explanation: Both A and B - Correct: Both Phosphorus-32 and Strontium-90 are used for treating skin cancer, so this is the correct answer.

Correct answer: Both A and B
  • A. Coulomb's force
  • B. Newton force
  • C. Weak Nuclear force
  • D. Strong Nuclear force

Explanation: Strong Nuclear force - Correct: This is the fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, overcoming the…

Correct answer: Strong Nuclear force
  • A. No change
  • B. Increases by 1
  • C. Increases by 2
  • D. Increases by 3

Explanation: No change - Correct: Beta decay occurs when a neutron converts into a proton and an electron (beta particle).

Correct answer: No change
  • A. 40gm
  • B. 20gm
  • C. 5gm
  • D. 2.5gm

Explanation: Correct. Here's the calculation:Calculate the number of half-lives:Total time elapsed = 80 daysHalf-life = 20 daysNumber of half-lives =…

Correct answer: 2.5gm
  • A. Alpha rays
  • B. Beta rays
  • C. Gamma rays
  • D. Proton rays

Explanation: Gamma rays - Correct: Gamma rays are highly penetrating and require thick lead or concrete shielding to stop them.

Correct answer: Gamma rays
  • A. Alpha radiation
  • B. Beta radiation
  • C. Gamma radiation
  • D. Ultraviolet radiation

Explanation: Ultraviolet radiation - Correct: UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources is the main cause of skin cancer, as it can directly…

Correct answer: Ultraviolet radiation
  • A. Infinite
  • B. 92
  • C. 235
  • D. 143

Explanation: The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.

Correct answer: 143
  • A. 1.66 x 10^-24 kg
  • B. 1.66 x 10^-19 kg
  • C. 16.6 x 10^-24 kg
  • D. 1.66 x 10^-27 kg

Explanation: 1 atomic mass unit (amu) is defined as 1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms, which is approximately the mass of one proton or neutron.

Correct answer: 1.66 x 10^-27 kg
  • A. 0.69 min
  • B. 2 min
  • C. 2.57 min
  • D. 2.31 min

Explanation: Mean life (τ) and half-life (T₁/₂) are related by the formula:T₁/₂ = τ × ln(2) ≈ τ × 0.693τ = 200 sT₁/₂ = 200 × 0.693 = 138.6…

Correct answer: 2.31 min
  • A. U238 contains 3 more protons
  • B. U238 contains 3 more protons and 3 more electrons
  • C. U238 contains 3 more neutrons and 3 more electrons
  • D. U238 contains 3 more neutrons

Explanation: Isotopes are the atoms of an element having same atomic number Z but different mass number A. Thus, U238 contains 3 more neutrons.

Correct answer: U238 contains 3 more neutrons
  • A. 1:1
  • B. 1:2
  • C. 1:4
  • D. 1:3

Explanation: Nuclear density is approximately constant for all nuclei because both mass and volume scale proportionally with the mass number.Since…

Correct answer: 1:1