Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics — Online MCQ Test
PHYSICS · Grade 10 · IGCSE cambridge
Practice Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics with a free chapter-wise online MCQ test.
This chapter covers: Atomic structure radioactivity half-life nuclear energy and the Earth Sun stars and the universe..
AI-generated questions from basic to board-exam level, with instant results and explanations.
Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics — Important Questions & Answers
Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?
- A. Electron
- B. Atom
- C. Nucleus
- D. Proton
Answer: B. Atom
An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
What is the name of the process by which an unstable nucleus emits radiation?
- A. Fission
- B. Fusion
- C. Radioactivity
- D. Ionization
Answer: C. Radioactivity
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus as it attempts to reach a stable state.
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus as it attempts to reach a stable state.
An alpha particle is equivalent to the nucleus of which element?
- A. Hydrogen
- B. Helium
- C. Lithium
- D. Beryllium
Answer: B. Helium
An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium-4 atom, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium-4 atom, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei. What is the primary source of energy released?
- A. The kinetic energy of the released neutrons
- B. The conversion of mass into energy according to E=mc²
- C. The energy from breaking chemical bonds
- D. The energy released by ejected electrons
Answer: B. The conversion of mass into energy according to E=mc²
In nuclear fission, the mass of the products is slightly less than the mass of the original nucleus. This mass defect is converted to energy using Einstein's equation E=mc².
In nuclear fission, the mass of the products is slightly less than the mass of the original nucleus. This mass defect is converted to energy using Einstein's equation E=mc².
A radioactive nucleus undergoes alpha decay. After emission, the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4. However, if a nucleus undergoes beta-minus decay, which of the following correctly describes the change?
- A. Atomic number increases by 1; mass number stays the same
- B. Atomic number decreases by 1; mass number increases by 1
- C. Both atomic and mass numbers remain unchanged
- D. Atomic number decreases by 2; mass number decreases by 4
Answer: A. Atomic number increases by 1; mass number stays the same
In beta-minus decay, a neutron converts to a proton, so atomic number increases by 1 while mass number remains constant (the neutron becomes a proton).
In beta-minus decay, a neutron converts to a proton, so atomic number increases by 1 while mass number remains constant (the neutron becomes a proton).