Nuclear Fission & Fusion Quiz
Studying this course? Keep your progress in one place.
Pick an answer for each. Quizzes never use energy.
5 questions, one answer each
Each answer is checked as you go, with why.
See all 5 questions
1. What happens during nuclear fission?
- A. Two small nuclei join together
- B. A large nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei
- C. An electron is emitted from a nucleus
- D. A proton captures a neutron
2. What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
- A. To slow neutrons down
- B. To absorb neutrons and control the reaction rate
- C. To generate electricity directly
- D. To cool the reactor core with water
3. What process powers the Sun?
- A. Nuclear fission
- B. Chemical combustion
- C. Nuclear fusion
- D. Radioactive decay only
4. Why is it so difficult to achieve nuclear fusion at low temperatures?
- A. Nuclei are too heavy to move
- B. Electrostatic repulsion between positive nuclei prevents them getting close enough
- C. There are no free neutrons available
- D. Fusion requires a moderator
5. Which of these is a genuine disadvantage of nuclear power, as opposed to fossil fuels?
- A. It produces carbon dioxide emissions
- B. It produces long-lived radioactive waste that is difficult to dispose of
- C. It cannot generate large amounts of electricity
- D. It requires burning coal