Nuclear Physics — Prelims Questions

Which of the following statements about nuclear fission and nuclear fusion is/are correct? 1. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus, while nuclear fusion is the process of combining two light nuclei. 2. Nuclear power plants primarily use nuclear fusion for electricity generation. 3. The energy released in both fission and fusion reactions is a result of mass being converted into energy.

Consider the following statements regarding radioactive decay: 1. Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. 2. Beta-minus decay increases the atomic number by 1 and keeps the mass number unchanged. 3. Gamma decay changes the atomic number but not the mass number. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to India's three-stage nuclear power programme, consider the following statements: 1. The first stage involves Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium to produce plutonium. 2. The second stage uses Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) fueled by plutonium to breed more fissile material from Uranium-238 and Thorium-232. 3. The third stage aims to utilize India's vast thorium reserves in Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) to produce Uranium-233. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following medical applications utilize principles of nuclear physics? 1. PET scans 2. MRI scans 3. Radiotherapy 4. X-ray imaging

Which of the following statements regarding nuclear waste management in India is/are correct? 1. India follows a 'closed fuel cycle' approach, involving reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. 2. High-level radioactive waste is typically disposed of in shallow land burial facilities. 3. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is designed to reduce the volume of nuclear waste by burning it.