NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING

Section 1
1. Which of the following may be used to measure the rate of nuclear disintegration?
A. Geiger-Muller Counter
B. Cyclotron
C. Cold chamber
D. Mass spectrograph
2. The decrease in the atomic number is not observed in case of
A. electron capture
B. β-emission
C. α-emission
D. positron emission
3. The mass number of an element is not changed, when it emits __________ radiations.
A. α&β
B. β&γ
C. γ&α
D. α, β, & γ
4. Which of the following is not a naturally occurring nuclear fuel ?
A. Uranium-238
B. Thorium-233
C. Plutonium-239
D. None of these
5. An electron has a mass that is approximately __________ that of the proton.
A. 1836 (approximately)
B. 1/1836 (approximately)
C. 1
D. ∞
6. Which is the most commonly used molten metal for cooling of nuclear reactors ?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Mercury
D. Zinc
7. The amount of a radioactive material (having a half life of 100 years) remaining after 400 years will be
__________ of its original weight.
A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
8. The second underground nuclear test was conducted by India at
A. Jaisalmer
B. Pokhran
C. Kalpakkan
D. Narora
9. Which of the following is artificially produced as it does not occur in nature ?
A. Uranium-235
B. Uranium-233
C. Plutonium-239
D. Both (b) and (c)
10. Gas cooling as compared to water cooling of nuclear reactors
A. can not attain a high temperature.
B. is more efficient as gas has a higher specific heat.
C. can produce only saturated steam for feeding to power turbine.
D. none of these.
11. The decay product of tritium (a beta emitter) is
A. lithium
B. helium
C. deuterium
D. hydrogen
12. Heat is generated in a nuclear reactor (thermal) by
A. combustion of a nuclear fuel e.g. uranium.
B. fusion of atoms of uranium.
C. absorption of neutrons in uranium atoms.
D. fission of U-235 by neutrons.
13. The time taken for a radioactive element to reduce to 50% of its original weight is __________ years, if its
half life period is 12 years.
A. 24
B. 18
C. 6
D. 36
14. Which of the following may not need a moderator ?
A. Candu reactor
B. Fast breeder reactor
C. Homogeneous reactor
D. Pressurised water reactor
15. The amount of a radioisotope remaining undecayed after a time equal to four times its half life, will be
__________ percent.
A. 3.125
B. 6.25
C. 12.50
D. 25
16. Fast breeder reactors do not
A. use Th-232 as fissile fuel.
B. convert fertile material to fissile material.
C. use fast neutrons for fission.
D. use molten sodium as coolant.
17. Thorium-232 is converted into uranium-233 in a/an __________ nuclear reactor.
A. thermal
B. fast breeder
C. heavy water moderated
D. enriched uranium
18. Which of the following may not need a control rod ?
A. Liquid metal cooled reactor.
B. Fast breeder reactor.
C. Candu reactor.
D. None of these.
19. One 'amu' is equivalent to
A. 9.31 MeV
B. 931 eV
C. 931 Mev
D. 931J
20. Commercial power generation from fusion reactor is not yet possible, because
A. it is difficult to control fusion reaction.
B. the fuel required (e.g. deuterium and tritium) is scarce.
C. it is difficult to initiate fusion reaction.
D. quantity of fuel required for initiating fusion reaction is prohibitively high.
21. Spent fuel from the nuclear thermal reactor contains
 A. fission products
B. plutonium
C. unused fuel
D. all (a), (b) & (c)
22. A boiling water reactor is the one, in which the
A. coolant water is allowed to boil in the core of the reactor.
B. coolant water, after being heated in the reactor core, generates steam in a boiler.
C. pressurized water is pumped into the core.
D. fuel and the coolant are thoroughly mixed to form a homogeneous solution.
23. Which is used as a coolant in nuclear reactor due to its high capture cross-section ?
A. H2
B. N2
C. He
D. CO2
24. Moderating material used in a thermal-reactor should be a
A. good absorber of neutrons.
B. solid substance.
C. poor absorber of neutrons.
D. none of these.
25. Ordinary water is not used as a moderator because, it
A. has a low absorption cross-section.
B. has a low scattering cross-section.
C. absorbs neutrons.
D. does not absorb neutrons.
26. The atomic number of a radioactive element is not changed, when it emits __________ rays.
A. α
B. β
C. γ
D. α&β
27. Fission of U-235 on slow neutron bombardment can be represented by
A. 92U235 + 3 γ1 56Ba143 + 36Kr90
B. 92U235 + 0n1 56Ba143 + 36Kr90 + 3 0n1
C. 92U235 + 0n1 56Ba143 + 36Kr90 + 3 0n1 + Q (energy)
D. 92U235 + 0n1 92U236 + 30n1+ Q (energy)
28. A nuclear reactor can't be used for
A. the production of radioisotopes.
B. supplying intense fields or beams of neutron for scientific experiments.
C. marine ship propulsion.
D. none of these.
29. Which of the following is a moderating material used in nuclear reactor ?
A. Graphite.
B. Cadmium.
C. Zircalloy (an alloy of zirconium and aluminium).
D. Stainless steel.
30. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of __________ present in its atom.
A. neutrons
B. electrons
C. protons
D. either (b) or (c)
31. Which of the following is not, a fertile material ?
A. Th-232
B. U-238
C. U-233
 D. none of these
32. Molten sodium (as a coolant in fast breeder reactor)
A. can't attain high temperature at normal pressure.
B. is not at all corrosive, even at a higher temperature.
C. is highly radioactive at elevated temperatures and can cause explosion, when it comes in contact
with air or water.
D. none of these
33. Final product of uranium extraction plant at Jadugoda (Bihar) is
A. uranium
B. uranium oxide
C. uranium carbide
D. magnesium diuranate
34. Which one is the radioactive isotope of hydrogen ?
A. Deuterium
B. Ortho-hydrogen
C. Tritium
D. None of these
35. A homogeneous reactor is the one, in which the
A. fissile atoms are evenly distributed throughout the mass of nuclear reactor.
B. same substance (e.g. heavy water) is used as moderator & coolant.
C. the fuel and the moderator is mixed to form a homogeneous material.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
36. Hydrogen has __________ isotopes.
A. no
B. one
C. two
D. three
37. MeV is the unit of
A. radioactivity
B. energy
C. potential difference
D. none of these
38. Velocity of the thermal neutron (< 0.025 eV) used for fission of U-235 is around __________ m/sec.
A. 1
B. 2200
C. 3 x 1011
D. 9 x 1021
39. Energy equivlant to one atomic mass unit (amu) is __________ MeV.
A. 9.31
B. 93.1
C. 931
D. 9310
40. "Critical mass" is the minimum mass of nuclear fissile material required for the
A. sustainment of chain reaction.
B. power generation on commercial scale.
C. economic power generation.
D. none of these.
41. The type of pump used for the recirculation of molten sodium coolant in liquid metal cooled reactor is
a/an __________ pump.
A. electromagnetic
B. reciprocating
C. centrifugal
D. volute
42. Fast breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) is located at
A. Kalpakkam (near Madras).
B. Kota (in Rajasthan).
C. BARC (Trombay).
D. Tarapur (in Maharashtra).
43. Tarapur atomic power station
A. has two boiling water reactors of American design.
B. has an installed capacity of 400 MW.
C. is the first power reactor in India, which became critical in 1969.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
44. In a nuclear explosion, the energy is released primarily in the form of __________ energy-
A. potential
B. thermal
C. kinetic
D. electrical
45. The largest stable nucleus is
A. U-235
B. U-238
C. Pb-206
D. Bi-209
46. Hydrogen bomb employs the nuclear fusion of
A. hydrogen
B. deuterium
C. tritium
D. helium
47. Sodium melts (at atmospheric pressure) at a temperature of __________ °C.
A. 58
B. 98
C. 348
D. 588
48. The ratio of volume of an atom to that of its nucleus is
A. 1012
B. 1012
C. 10-8
D. 108
49. Research reactors are normally meant for
A. producing high neutron flux 1012-1013 neutrons/cm2, sec and studying the effect of neutron
bombardment on dif ferent materials.
B. accelerating the neutrons.
C. power generation.
D. none of these
50. Out of the following places, a nuclear power plant is not located at
A. Talcher (Orissa)
B. Kaiga (Karnataka)
C. Rawatbhata (Rajsthan)
D. Kalpakkam (Tamilnadu)
Section 2
1. Heavy water plant is not located at
A. Talcher
B. Tuticorin
C. Ramagundam
D. Kota
2. Which is not a fissile nuclear material ?
A. U-233
B. U-235
C. U-238
D. Pu-239
3. Nuclear fuel usually used in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) is
A. plutonium
B. enriched uranium
C. natural uranium
D. thorium
4. The new nucleus formed after β-decay of a radioactive element has
A. less atomic number
B. less atomic weight
C. more atomic number
D. more atomic weight
5. Energy produced in the nuclear fission is of the order of __________ MeV.
A. 20
B. 200
C. 1000
D. 2000
6. Pressure in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is used for
A. maintaining constant pressure in the primary cooling circuit under varying loads.
B. superheating the steam.
C. pressurising the water in the primary coolant circuit.
D. none of these.
7. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. The disintegration rate of a radioactive substance can not be increased by heating it.
B. Electrons have negligible mass and unit negative change.
C. Deuterium atom has one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus.
D. Cadmium is capable of absorbing neutrons.
8. Water is a better coolant than a gas (like CO2, He, N2 etc.), because it
A. is a better neutron moderator as well.
B. requires comparatively smaller pumps and heat exchanger for a given heat transfer rate.
C. has a better heat transfer characteristics, and it can be pressurised to attain a high temperature.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
9. Net efficiency of ordinary light water cooled nuclear reactor is about __________ percent.
A. 32
B. 52
C. 72
D. 88
10. The sum of masses of two nuclei produced in nuclear fission compared to the mass of original nucleus is
A. less
B. more
C. same
D. much more
11.
Which of the following isotopes is not present in natural uranium ?
A. U-238 B. U-234
C. U-235 D. U-232
View Answer Workspace Report Discuss in Forum
12.
Which of the following is present in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) complex, Trombay (Bombay) ?

A. Power reactor
B. Research reactor
C. Fast breeder reactor
D. Heavy water plant
View Answer Workspace Report Discuss in Forum
13.
Quantity of fissionable material (i.e. U-235) in natural uranium is __________ percent.

A. 0.71 B. 6.31
C. 99.29 D. 12.73
View Answer Workspace Report Discuss in Forum
14.
Pick out the correct statement.

A. Loss of electrons from neutral atoms produces negative ions.

B. The radius of nucleus & atomic size are of the order of 10-12 cm & 10-8 cm respectively.
C. Gain of electrons by neutral atoms form cations.
D. Proton to neutron ratio in a stable nucleus is 2 : 1.
View Answer Workspace Report Discuss in Forum
15. __________ gas is normally not used as a coolant in a nuclear reactor, because of its high neutron capture
cross-section.
A. Nitrogen
B. Hydrogen
C. Helium
D. Carbon dioxide
16. Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) engaged in the mining & concentration of uranium ore is
located at
A. Alwaye (in Kerala)
B. Jadugoda (in Jharkhand)
C. Kalpakkam (in Tamilnadu)
D. Gopalpur coast (in Orissa)
17. 'Heavy water' is termed as 'heavy' because it is
A. denser than water.
B. an oxide of deuterium.
C. a heavy liquid.
D. an oxide of heavier isotope of oxygen.
18. A pressurized water reactor (PWR) uses pressurized water as a
A. coolant.
B. working fluid in power turbine.
C. moderator.
D. none of these.
19. The phenomenon of radioactivity was discovered by
A. Madam Curie
B. Bacquerrel
C. Roentgen
D. J.J. Thomson
20. Out of the following places, heavy water plant is not located at
A. Baroda
B. Ramagundam
C. Talcher
D. Tuticorin
21. Isotopes of an element have the same
A. number of neutrons
B. mass number
C. electronic configuration
D. atomic weight
22. Biological shield is provided in a nuclear power reactor to protect the __________ from radiation damage.
A. fuel elements
B. operating personnels
C. walls of the reactor
D. none of these
23. The atomic mass of an element is fractional, because
A. of uncertainty principle.
B. it may have isobars.
C. it contains neutrons.
D. it may have isotopes.
24. A heterogeneous reactor is the one, in which the moderator and the
A. coolant are different materials.
B. coolant are present in different phases (e.g., heavy water and graphite).
C. fuel are present in different phases (e.g. uranium and heavy water).
D. none of these.
25. Radioactivity of an isotope is expressed in
A. barn
B. MeV
C. Curie
D. Ergs
26. Extraction of uranium from its ore is done by __________ method.
A. chemical
B. pyrometallurgical
C. physical beneficiation
D. electrometallurgical
27. 75% of a radioactive element decays in 6 hours. Its half life period is __________ hours.
A. 3/4
B. 1/6
C. 3
D. 4
28. Nuclear power plant is not located at
A. Talcher (Orissa)
B. Rawatbhata (Rajasthan)
C. Kalpakkam (Tamilnadu)
D. Kaiga (Karnataka)
29. Heavy water is used as a moderator in a
A. pressurized water reactor (PWR).
B. boiling water reactor (BWR).
C. Candu reactor.
D. molten sodium cooled reactor.
30. Which of the following is a fuel for a fusion reactor (thermonuclear reactor) ?
A. Deuterium and tritium
B. U-233
 C. Thorium
D. Heavy water
31. Positron is a/an
A. nucleus having two protons.
B. helium nucleus.
C. electron with positive charge.
D. nucleus with one proton and one neutron.
32. Uranium is recovered from its ore (pitchblende) by
A. froth floatation technique.
B. leaching with sulphuric acid.
C. smelting in a furnace.
D. dissolving in water.
33. Which of the following is the best nuclear fuel?
A. Np- 239
B. U-234
C. Pu-239
D. Th-236
34. Pick out the correct statement.
A. Positron is the antiparticle of electron.
B. In α-decay, the ratio of neutron to proton decreases.
C. Ionizing power of β-rays is higher than that of α-rays.
D. Speed of α-rays is more than that of γ-rays.
35. Which of the following nuclear reactors is the most efficient thermodynamically while operating between
the same temperature and pressure limits of the reactor ?
A. Molten sodium cooled
B. CO2 gas cooled
C. Pressurized water
D. Boiling water
36. Which of the following accounts for the maximum energy release in the nuclear fission process ?
A. Kinetic energy of fission products
B. Radioactive decay of fission products
C. Instantaneous release of γ-rays
D. Kinetic energy of neutrons
37. In a pressurized water reactor (PWR), the
A. fuel is natural uranium and heavy water acts both as moderator & coolant.
B. coolant water boils in the core of the reactor.
C. coolant water is pressurized to prevent bulk boiling of water in the core.
D. use of moderator is not required.
38. Liquid metal (e.g, . molten sodium) is preferred as a coolant in case of a/an __________ reactor.
A. homogeneous
B. graphite moderated
C. fast breeder
D. enriched uranium (3% U-235) fuelled
39. Coolant used in a boiling water reactor is
A. hydrogen gas
B. water
C. steam
D. a mixture of water & steam
40. A thermal nuclear reactor compared to a fast breeder reactor
A. uses slower neutrons for fission.
B. uses faster neutrons for fission.
C. gives higher power density.
D. requires less fuel to run at the same power level.
41. The phenomenon of nuclear fission is opposite to that of
A. radioactive decay
B. thermionic emission
C. nuclear fusion
D. combustion
42. An ideal coolant for a nuclear reactor should
A. be a good absorber of neutrons.
B. be capable of attaining high temperature, only when it is pressurised.
C. have high density, but low heat transfer co-efficient.
D. be free from radiation damage and non-corrosive.
43. The size of an atom is of the order of one
A. °Angstrom
B. fermi
C. micron
D. mm
44. 'Light water' used as a coolant in nuclear reactor is nothing but
A. ordinary water.
B. mildly acidic (pH = 6) water.
C. mildly alkaline (pH = 8) water.
D. none of these.
45. Isotopes of an element have different
A. mass number
B. electronic configuration
C. nuclear charge
D. chemical properties
46. The emission of an a-particle causes the resultant nucleus to have
A. more atomic weight and less atomic number.
B. less atomic weight and less atomic number.
C. less atomic weight and more atomic number.
D. none of these.
47. Solar energy results from __________ reaction.
A. fission
B. combustion
C. thermonuclear
D. none of these
48. In nuclear reactions, __________ number is conserved.
A. mass
B. atomic
C. both (a) & (b)
D. neither (a) nor (b)
49. The molecular weight of heavy water is
A. 10
B. 18
C. 20
D. 36
50. Which of the following is not a good moderating material ?
A. Concrete
B. Boron
C. 18/8 stainless steel
D. All (a), (b) and (c)
Section 3
1. Plutonium
A. is recovered from spent fuel from thermal nuclear reactor.
B. has much lower melting point (640°C ) compared to thorium (1690°C).
C. both (a) and (b).
D. neither (a) nor (b).
2. A control rod
A. should have small absorption cross-section.
B. is generally made of boron, hafnium or cadmium.
C. should have large absorption cross-section.
D. both (b) and (c).
3. Number of secondary neutron emitted on fission of an atom of U-235 by slow neutron bombardment is
A. 3
B. 235
C. 200
D. 92
4. Enriched uranium means that, it contains
A. more than 0.71% of U-235.
B. only fertile material.
C. only fissile material.
D. no impurities.
5. The radioisotope used to study the thyroid gland is
A. iodine
B. cobalt
C. iron
D. carbon
6. The mass number of an element is equal to the number of __________ in the nucleus.
A. electrons
B. neutrons
C. protons
D. neutrons plus protons (i.e., nucleons)
7. The half life period of a radioactive element depends upon the
A. temperature
B. pressure
C. amount of element present
D. none of these
8. Fuel for a fast breeder reactor is
A. plutonium
B. uranium
C. radium
D. neptunium
9. Fast breeder test reactor at Kalpakkam is designed for using
A. thorium as a fertile material.
B. U-238 as a fertile material.
C. helium as a coolant.
D. uranium ore directly as a fuel.
10. In the gaseous diffusion process of uranium enrichment, the natural uranium is converted into gaseous
A. uranium oxide
B. uranium hexaflouride
C. uranium carbide
D. uranium sulphate
11. Nuclear reactors are provided with shield to guard against the emission of mainly __________ rays.
A. X
 B. α and β
C. neutrons & gamma
D. infrared
12. Mass of a positron is same as that of a/an
A. electron
B. α-particle
C. proton
D. neutron
13. Biological shield is provided in a nuclear power reactor to protect the __________ from radiation damage.
A. fuel elements
B. operating personnel
C. walls of the reactor
D. none of these
14. Isotopes of an element have different
A. mass number
B. electronic configuration
C. nuclear charge
D. chemical properties
15. Radioactive decay of a material involves a __________ order reaction.
A. third
B. second
C. first
D. zero
16. Uranium ore is mined & concentrated in India at
A. Jadugoda(Jharkhand)
B. Kota (Rajasthan)
C. Tuticorin (Tamilnadu)
D. Talchar (Orissa)
17. Which of the following factors is the most important in the site selection for a nuclear power plant ?
A. Absence of earthquake prone zone in nearby areas.
B. Abundant availability of water.
C. Remotely located from residential areas.
D. Proximity to fuel source.
18. A fast breeder reactor
A. uses natural uranium as fuel.
B. does not require a moderator.
C. both (a) and (b).
D. neither (a) nor (b).
19. Heavy water has maximum density at __________ °C.
A. 4
B. 11.6
C. 0
D. 18.6
20. Ceramic nuclear metals compared to solid nuclear metals have
A. higher melting points.
B. low strength at high temperature.
C. more chances of radiation damage.
D. poorer corrosion resistance.
21. Unit of radioactivity is
A. barn
B. Fermi
C. Angstrom
D. Curie
22. Which of the following reactors is operated at high neutron flux and low power level ?
A. Breeder reactor.
B. Research reactor.
C. Heterogeneous reactor.
D. Liquid metal (e.g., molten sodium) cooled reactor.
23. Uranium percentage in monazite sand is about
A. 0.01
B. 0.25
C. 1.2
D. 7
24. Artificially produced radioactive isotopes are used for
A. power generation.
B. treatment of certain diseases.
C. initiating nuclear fission and fusion.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
25. In a homogeneous nuclear reactor, the __________ are mixed together.
A. fuel & coolant
B. fuel & moderator
C. coolant & moderator
D. none of these
26. Nucleus of 92U235 contains __________ protons.
A. 92
B. 235
C. 143
D. 325
27. Which of the following radiations is the least penetrating ?
A. α-rays
B. β-rays
C. γ-rays
D. X-rays
28. β-rays emission in radioactive disintegration is always accompanied by the emission of
A. γ-rays
B. α-rays
C. neutrons
D. none of these
29. Hydrogen differs from deuterium in __________ properties.
A. radioactive
B. physical
C. chemical
D. all (a), (b) and (c)
30. Both tritium and deuterium have the same number of
A. neutrons
B. electrons
C. protons
D. nucleons
31. Nuclear power generation capacity in India is
A. 3000 MW.
B. 10000 MW.
C. more than hydroelectric power generation capacity.
D. more than thermal power generation capacity.
32. Heavy water plant is not located at
A. Kota and Baroda
B. Talcher (Orissa)
 C. Tuticorin(Tamilnadu)
D. Korba
33. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. Isotopes have the same number of protons & electrons, but different number of neutrons.
B. Hydrogen has two isotopes.
C. In ordinary hydrogen, 1H1 and 1H2 are present in the ratio 6400:1.
D. none of these.
34. The most abundant isotope of natural uranium is
A. 92U238
B. 92U235
C. 92U234
D. none of these
35. Out of the following, nucleus of __________ atom contains the largest number of neutrons.
A. U-235
B. U-238
C. U-239
D. Pu-239
36. A radioactive substance does not emit
A. α-ray
B. proton
C. position
D. β-ray
37. The specific heats of three gaseous coolants namely H2, He and CO2 in the increasing order are
A. CO2, He, H2
B. CO2, H2, He
C. H2, He, CO2
D. H2, CO2, He
38. Indian monazite sand contains __________ percent thorium.
A. 10
B. 25
C. 60
D. 90
39. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. α-particle emission from a radioactive element makes it electrically negative.
B. β-particle emission from a radioactive element makes it electrically positive.
C. A radioactive element having a half life period of 20 years will completely disintegrated in 40
years.
D. The disintegration constant of a radioactive isotope is independent of pressure, temperature or
concentration.
40. Percentage of the heavy water in ordi water is around
A. 0.015
B. 7.54
C. 0.71
D. 32.97
41. One 'amu' is equivalent to
A. 9.31 Mev
B. 931 eV
C. 931 MeV
D. 931 J
42. Which of the following undergoes fission reaction easily ?
A. U-235
B. U-238
C. Th-232
 D. none of these
43. Thorium-232 (a fertile material) on absorption of a neutron gets converted into __________ , which is a
fissile material.
A. thorium-233
B. uranium-235
C. uranium-233
D. plutonium-239
44. Percentage of heavy water in ordinary water is around
A. 0.015
B. 7.54
C. 0.71
D. 32.97
45. Safety rods provided in nuclear reactors to guard against accidents, in case of earthquake are made of
A. high carbon steel.
B. molybdenum.
C. zircalloy.
D. boron or cadmium.
46. Which of the following is not used as a moderator in nuclear reactor ?
A. Molten sodium
B. Light water
C. Beryllium
D. Boron hydride
47. In β-decay of radioactive material, the ratio of neutron to proton
A. increases.
B. remains same.
C. decreases.
D. is unpredictable; may increase or decrease.
48. When the difference between mass number and atomic number of atoms of two or more elements are
same, the atoms are termed as
A. isomers
B. isotopes
C. isobars
D. isotones
49. The critical mass of a fissionable material can be reduced by
A. heating it.
B. cooling it.
C. surrounding it by neutron reflecting material.
D. surrounding it by neutron absorbing material.
50. Primary purpose of a __________ nuclear reactor is to supply a high neutron flux of the order of 1013 to
1014 neutrons/cm2 second.
A. research
B. power
C. breeder
D. homogeneous
Section 4
1. The first underground nuclear test was conducted by India at
A. Jaisalmer
B. Pokharan
C. Kalpakkam
D. Narora
2. Main source of __________ is monazite sand.
A. uranium
B. polonium
C. hafnium
D. thorium
3. A radioactive isotope undergoes decay with respect to time following __________ law.
A. logarithmic
B. exponential
C. linear
D. inverse square
4. Atoms of U-238 and U-235 differ in structure by three
A. electrons and three protons
B. protons
C. neutrons
D. electrons
5. Heavy water (D2O) in a nuclear reactor serves as a
A. coolant
B. moderator
C. both (a) & (b)
D. neutron absorber
6. Which of the following nuclear materials is fissile ?
A. Uranium-238
B. Thorium-232
C. Plutonium-239
D. None of these
7. Extraction of uranium from its ore is done using __________ methods.
A. electrometallurgical
B. pyrometallurgical
C. chemical
D. physical beneficiation
8. The main ore of uranium is
A. pitchblende
B. monazite sand
C. cassiterite
D. chalcopyrite
9. Function of control rod in a nuclear reactor is to control
A. temperature
B. pressure
C. fuel consumption
D. absorption of neutrons
10. The ratio of neutrons to protons of an element having a mass number and atomic number of 80 and 40
respectively is
A. 1
B. 0.5
C. 2
D. 4
11. Fast breeder reactors are most usable in India, because of our largest __________ deposits.
 A. thorium
B. plutonium
C. uranium
D. none of these
12. In the nuclear reaction, 93N239 94Pu239 + ?; the missing particle is a/an
A. electron
B. proton
C. neutron
D. position
13. "Critical mass" is the minimum mass of nuclear fissile material required for the
A. sustainment of chain reaction.
B. power generation on commercial scale.
C. economic power generation.
D. none of these.
14. Critical energy should be __________ the neutron binding energy of the atom in order to initiate a nuclear
fission.
A. equal to
B. less than
C. more than
D. either more or less
15. The main ore of thorium is
A. pitchblende
B. monazite sand
C. limonite
D. galena
6. Unit of radioactivity is
A. barn
B. fermi
C. angstrom
D. curie
17. Coolant present in the primary circuit of a pressurized water reactor is high pressure
A. sub cooled water
B. saturated water
C. superheated steam
D. saturated steam
18. First experimental observation of nuclear fission was done by
A. Plane
B. Rutherford
C. Fermi
D. Hahn and Strassman
19. U-235 content in enriched uranium, that is normally used in power reactors (e.g., at Tarapur atomic power
plant), is about __________ percent.
A. 85
B. 50
C. 3
D. 97
20. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) located at Trombay (near Bombay) has
A. five operating research reactors (namely Apsara, Cirus Zerelina, Purnima and Dhurva).
B. a 420 MW nuclear power plant.
C. a very large capacity (100 tons/yr) heavy water plant.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
21. H2 is a better coolant than CO2, due to its relatively
A. lower density.
 B. higher specific heat.
C. non-reactivity to uranium.
D. lower neutron capture cross-section.
22. The half life period of a radioactive element is 100 days. After 400 days, one gm of the element will be
reduced to __________ gm.
A. 1/4
B. 1/8
C. 1/2
D. 1/16
23. Nucleus of tritium has __________ neutrons.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
24. Percentage of natural uranium present in uranium ore found in Jadugoda (Jharkhand) is
A. 0.1
B. 1
C. 3
D. 12
25. A fast breeder reactor
A. utilizes fast neutrons for causing fission.
B. converts fertile material (e.g., U-238) into fissile material (Pu-239).
C. normally employs molten sodium as coolant.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
26. Commercial power generation from fusion reactor is not yet possible, because
A. it is difficult to control nuclear fusion reaction.
B. the fuel required (i.e., deuterium & tritium) is scarce.
C. it is difficult to initiate fusion reaction.
D. quantity of fuel required for initiating fusion reaction is prohibitively high.
27. Candu reactor is a __________ nuclcear reactor.
A. natural uranium fuelled heavy water cooled & moderated
B. highly enriched uranium (85% U-235) fuelled
C. homogeneous
D. fast breeder
28. Which of the following is a non-fissile material ?
A. Plutonium-239
B. Uranium-235
C. Uranium-233
D. Thorium-232
29. Use of molten metal as a coolant in fast breeder reactor helps in
A. rapid heat transfer from the core.
B. accelerating the reaction rate in the core.
C. breeding neutrons.
D. accelerating the neutrons.
30. What is the average life of a radioactive atom having a 'half life period' of T ?
A. 1.44 T
B. 0.144 T
C. 14.4 T
D. 2T
31. Secondary cooling circuit is a must in molten sodium cooled fast breeder reactor for
A. achieving high degree of superheat in the steam.
B. faster heat removal rate from the core.
C. lowering the coolant circulation pressure.
 D. avoiding the mixing of water with radioactive sodium, as it may cause explosion.
32. The main purpose of control rod in a nuclear reactor is to control the
A. chain reaction and hence the power output by regulating the number of secondary neutrons
causing fission.
B. emission of hazardous radiation.
C. conversion of fissile material into fertile material.
D. velocity of the secondary neutrons.
33. Nuclear power reactor located at Tarapur is of __________ type.
A. fast breeder
B. pressurized water
C. boiling water
D. gas cooled
34. Which of the following is not an ore of uranium ?
A. Pitchblende
B. Kyanite
C. Carnotite
D. Rescolite
35. Which one is different for the neutral atoms of the isotopes of an element ?
A. Atomic weights
B. Atomic numbers
C. Number of protons
D. Number of electrons
36. Which of the following gases has very high neutron capture cross-section, making it unsuitable as a
coolant in nuclear reactor?
A. N2
B. He
C. CO2
D. H2
37. The number of neutrons in the nucleus of Uranium-233 (92U233) is
A. 141
B. 92
C. 233
D. 325
38. The ratio of mass of a neutron to that of an electron is about 1839. What is the ratio of the mass of a
proton to that of an electron?
A. 159
B. 1837
C. 2537
D. 10000
39. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. The ratio of the density of the 'nucleus' to that of the 'atom' is 1012 .
B. α-particle is identical with a doubly charged helium ion.
C. The mass of deuterium atom is half that of helium atom.
D. Gamma rays are high energy electrons.
40. The disintegration rate of a radioactive element
A. progressively increases.
B. progressively decreases.
C. remains constant throughout.
D. may increase or decrease depending on the material.
41. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. Atoms with same number of nucleons but different number of protons are called isobars.
B. Atoms with same number of protons but different number of nucleons are called isoters.
C. Out of α, β, and γ-rays, the one having maximum penetration power are γ-rays.
 D. The product formed by emission of α-particle has mass number less by 4 units than the parent
nuclide.
42. Which of the following is the most harmful for the human being ?
A. β-rays
B. X-rays
C. γ-rays
D. ultra violet rays
43. Heavy water is preferred over ordinary water as a coolant, because it.
A. acts both as an efficient coolant as well as a moderator.
B. can be heated to a higher temperature without pressurizing.
C. is less prone to radiation damage.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
44. An element having large number of __________ is most easily subjected to nuclear fission.
A. protons
B. electrons
C. neutrons
D. nucleons
45. Coolant used in a fast breeder reactor is
A. molten sodium
B. heavy water
C. ordinary water
D. helium
46. Molten sodium is used as a coolant in a fast breeder reactor, because of its
A. excellent moderating properties.
B. neutron breeding capability.
C. faster heat removal capability from the core.
D. capability to increase the reaction rate in the core.
47. Neutrons have mass approximately equal to that of __________ atoms.
A. hydrogen
B. helium
C. deuterium
D. none of these
48. Pressure of CO2 gas (which is a coolant) in the Calder-Hall nuclear reactor is __________ kgf/cm2 .
A. 0.2
B. 7
C. 35
D. 50
49. The electric power generation cost in nuclear power plant is less than that in a coal based thermal power
plant, mainly because the
A. fuel cost per unit power generated is less.
B. thermal efficiency of the former is higher.
C. maintenance cost of the former is less.
D. none of these.
50. Heavy water used in the nuclear reactors to slow down the speed of neutrons is
A. highly purified water.
B. a compound of oxygen and deuterium.
C. water having dissolved salts of heavy metals.
D. none of these.
Section 5
1. Thermal neutrons which are used to cause the fission of U-235 have energy __________ eV.
A. < 0.025
B. >1
C. 1-25
D. > 200.
2. Which of the following types of nuclear reactors is most prone to radioactive hazards ?
A. Pressurised water reactor
B. Gas cooled reactor
C. Molten sodium cooled reactor
D. Boiling water reactor
3. Thermal nuclear reactors using enriched uranium as fuel contains a maximum of __________ percent
fissile material i.e. U-235.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 7
4. The atomic weight and atomic number of an element are A and Z respectively. What is the number of
neutrons in the atom of that element ?
A. A+Z
B. A- Z
C. A
D. Z
5. Which of the following is not used as a nuclear fuel cladding material ?
A. Zircalloy
B. Cadmium
C. Ceramics
D. Stainless steel
6. The function of moderators in nuclear reactor is to
A. slow down the secondary neutrons.
B. absorb the secondary neutrons.
C. control the chain reaction.
D. none of these.
7. Specific gravity of uranium and plutonium is about
A. 9
B. 13
C. 19
D. 27
8. Pick out the wrong statement.
A. The nucleus of a hydrogen atom is identical with a proton.
B. A, β-ray particle is identical with an electron.
C. Mass of an electron is about 1/1800th of the lightest nucleus.
D. Positron is heavier than a proton.
9. If 4 gm of a radioisotope has a half life period of 10 days, the half life of 2 gm of the same istotope will be
__________ days.
A. 5
B. 10
C. 20
D. 30
10. __________ nuclear reactor does not require a heat exchanger to supply steam to power turbine.
A. Molten sodium cooled
B. Helium cooled
C. Boiling water
 D. Pressurised water
11. Radioactive decay is a __________ change.
A. chemical
B. nuclear
C. physical
D. none of these
12. A moderator __________ the neutrons.
A. slows down
B. absorbs
C. accelerates
D. reflects
13. Thorium can be converted into U-233 in a __________ reactor.
A. liquid metal cooled
B. fast breeder
C. thermal
D. swimming pool
14. Nuclear fuel generally used in reactors is uranium oxide instead of uranium, because the former has higher
A. melting point, hence can be subjected to higher temperature.
B. density ; hence core volume for a given power output would be smaller.
C. resistance to effects of irradiation.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
15. Nuclear fuel complex, Hyderabad is engaged in the job of
A. manufacture of nuclear fuel elements/assemblies .
B. processing of uranium ore.
C. treatment of spent fuel.
D. none of these.
16. Which is a fertile nuclear fuel ?
A. U-233
B. U-235
C. Pu-239
D. Th-232
17. The time required for half of the __________ of a radioactive isotope to decay is called its half life.
A. nuclei
B. electrons
C. protons
D. neutrons
18. The ratio of atomic radius to its nuclear radius is about
A. 105
B. 108
C. 1012
D. 1015
19. Which one is different for the neutral atoms of the isotopes of an element ?
A. Atomic weights
B. Atomic numbers
C. Number of protons
D. Number of electrons
20. __________ moderator is used in a fast breeder reactor.
A. Graphite
B. Heavy water
C. Beryllium
D. No
21. The velocity of thermal (slow) neutrons triggering nuclear fission reaction (having energy equal to 0.025
eV) is about __________ metres/second.
 A. 1100
B. 2200
C. 3300
D. 4400
22. Thermal shield is used in high powered nuclear reactors to
A. protect the walls of the reactor from radiation damage.
B. absorb the fast neutrons.
C. slow down the secondary neutrons.
D. protect the fuel element from coming in contact with the coolant.
23. The half life period of a radioactive substance is best determined by counting the number of alpha
particles emitted per second in a Geiger Muller counter from its known quantity. If the half life period of a
radioactive substance is one month, then
A. 3/4th of it will disintegrate in two months.
B. it will completely disintegrate in two months.
C. it will completely disintegrate in four months.
D. l/8th of it will remain intact at the end of four months.
24. The 92U238 emits an a-particle. The product is
A. 90U234
B. 90U238
C. 90U236
D. 92U236
25. Graphite is used in nuclear reactor as
A. insulation lining of the reactor.
B. fuel.
C. lubricant.
D. retarder of neutron velocity.
26. The half life period of a radioactive element depends on its
A. temperature
B. pressure
C. amount
D. none of these
27. __________ have the same mass number, but different nuclear charge.
A. Isotopes
B. Isobars
C. Isotones
D. none of these
28. Which one is radioactive in nature ?
A. Helium
B. Deuterium
C. Heavy hydrogen
D. Tritium
29. Absorption/scattering cross-section of an element is expressed in "barn", which is equivalent to
A. 10-24 cm2
B. 10-12 cm
C. 1 Angstrom
D. 10-24 cm
30. The most commonly used nuclear fuel in boiling water reactor is
A. enriched uranium
B. natural uranium
C. plutonium
D. monazite sand
31. Nuclides having the same atomic numbers are termed as
A. isotopes
 B. isomers
C. isotones
D. isobars
32. The number of neutrons accompanying the formation of 54Xe139 and 38Sr94 from the absorption of a
slow neutron by 92U235 , followed by nuclear fission is
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
33. A fertile material is the one, which can be
A. converted into fissile material on absorption of neutron.
B. fissioned by slow (thermal) neutrons.
C. fissioned by fast neutrons.
D. fissioned by either slow or fast neutrons.
34. Fast breeder nuclear reactors using enriched uranium as fuel may contain upto a maximum of __________
percent of U-235 (i.e. fissile material).
A. 15
B. 45
C. 65
D. 85
35. Thorium metal
A. resembles steel in appearance.
B. is less hard (in the range of silver).
C. is highly ductile.
D. all (a), (b) and (c).
36. Enrichment of uranium is done to increase the concentration of __________ in the natural uranium.
A. U-238
B. U-233
C. U-235
D. Pu-239
37. Atoms with same number of neutrons, but different number of nucleons are called
A. isotones
B. isobars
C. isotopes
D. isoters
38. Which of the following ores contains maximum percentage of uranium ?
A. Carnotite
B. Thorium.
C. Rescolite
D. Pitchblende
39. Uranium ore is currently mined & concentrated at
A. Jadugoda
B. Ghatsila
C. Khetri
D. Alwaye
40. How many atoms are present in one gm-atom of an element ?
A. 2 x 1023
B. 6 x 1023
C. 6 x 1032
D. 5 x 105
41. Emission of β-particles during radioactive decay of a substance is from
A. innermost shell
B. nucleus
 C. outermost shell
D. none of these
42. Percentage of U-238 in natural uranium is around
A. 0.71
B. 99.29
C. 0.015
D. 29.71
43. Fuel for a nuclear reactor (thermal) is
A. uranium
B. plutonium
C. radium
D. none of these
44. A fast breeder reactor employs
A. graphite as moderator.
B. water as coolant.
C. molten sodium as coolant as well as moderator.
D. U-235 as fuel.

ANSWER KEY FOR NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING

 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5
1. A 1. C 1. C 1. B 1. A
2. B 2. C 2. D 2. D 2. D
3. B 3. B 3. A 3. B 3. C
4. C 4. A 4. A 4. C 4. B
5. B 5. B 5. A 5. C 5. B
6. B 6. A 6. D 6. C 6. A
7. D 7. C 7. D 7. C 7. C
8. B 8. D 8. A 8. A 8. D
9. D 9. A 9. A 9. D 9. B
10. D 10. A 10. B 10. A 10. C
11. B 11. D 11. C 11. A 11. B
12. D 12. B 12. A 12. A 12. A
13. B 13. A 13. B 13. A 13. B
14. B 14. B 14. A 14. C 14. D
15. B 15. A 15. C 15. B 15. A
16. A 16. B 16. A 16. D 16. D
17. B 17. B 17. A 17. B 17. A
18. D 18. A 18. B 18. C 18. A
19. C 19. B 19. B 19. C 19. A
20. A 20. B 20. A 20. A 20. D
21. D 21. C 21. D 21. B 21. B
22. A 22. B 22. B 22. D 22. A
23. A 23. D 23. B 23. B 23. B
24. C 24. C 24. B 24. A 24. A
25. C 25. C 25. B 25. D 25. D
26. C 26. A 26. A 26. A 26. D
27. C 27. C 27. A 27. A 27. B
28. D 28. A 28. A 28. D 28. D
29. A 29. C 29. B 29. A 29. A
30. D 30. A 30. A 30. A 30. A
31. C 31. C 31. A 31. D 31. B
32. C 32. B 32. D 32. A 32. C
33. D 33. C 33. B 33. C 33. A
34. C 34. A 34. A 34. B 34. D
35. C 35. D 35. C 35. A 35. D
36. D 36. A 36. B 36. A 36. C
37. B 37. C 37. A 37. A 37. A
38. B 38. C 38. A 38. B 38. D
39. C 39. D 39. C 39. D 39. A
40. A 40. A 40. A 40. B 40. B
41. A 41. C 41. C 41. B 41. B
42. A 42. D 42. A 42. C 42. B
43. D 43. A 43. C 43. D 43. A
44. C 44. A 44. A 44. D 44. D
45. A 45. A 45. D 45. A
46. B 46. A 46. A 46. C
47. B 47. C 47. C 47. A
48. A 48. C 48. D 48. B
49. A 49. C 49. C 49. A
50. A 50. D 50. A 50. B