Question 1
A Geiger counter gets 8000 counts per minute from a certain source with a half-life of 5 years. How many years until its activity is 1000 counts per minute?
Question 2
The difference between fission and fusion is
a.
Fission is when nuclei are combined; fusion is when a nucleus is split into smaller ones.
b.
Fission is when a nucleus is split into smaller ones; fusion is when nuclei are combined.
c.
Fission will not take place without oxygen present but fusion will.
d.
Fission releases energy but fusion absorbs energy.
Question 3
The main problem with using fusion for peaceful power generation is
a.
The fuel is scarce.
b.
Disposal of the radioactive waste.
c.
A practical fusion reactor hasn’t been invented yet.
d.
A fusion reactor would contain plutonium which could be stolen by terrorists.
Question 4
10n + 23592U 14054Xe + 9438Sr + ? This reaction releases ________ neutrons.
a.
no
b.
one
c.
two
d.
three
Question 5
The age of the Dead Sea Scrolls was found by carbon dating. Could this technique have worked if they had been carved in stone tablets?
a.
Yes.
b.
No, because gamma rays do not pass through stone.
c.
No, because stone contains too much uranium to get a clear signal.
d.
No, because carbon dating tells you when something died and stone was never alive.
Question 6
If you shoot a neutron at a nucleus, it can
a.
trigger transmutation of the nucleus into a heavier element.
b.
cause the nucleus to break into smaller nuclei.
c.
trigger a reaction which gives off more neutrons.
d.
all of the above.
Question 7
In the cores of certain very massive stars, energy is released by sticking carbon atoms together to form heavier nuclei. This reaction an example of
a.
fission.
b.
fusion.
Question 8
What are cosmic rays?
a.
High energy protons and other nuclei from space.
b.
Radio signals from other galaxies.
c.
Microwaves left over from the big bang.
d.
Infrared radiation from places where stars are forming.
