Chapter Exam

Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics — Online MCQ Test

Q: Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?

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.

Q: What is the name of the process by which an unstable nucleus emits radiation?

Answer: C. Radioactivity — Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus as it attempts to reach a stable state.

Q: An alpha particle is equivalent to the nucleus of which element?

Answer: B. Helium — An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium-4 atom, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

PHYSICS · Grade 10 · IGCSE cambridge

Practice Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics with a free chapter-wise online MCQ test for IGCSE cambridge Grade 10 PHYSICS. 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.

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Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics — Important Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions from IGCSE cambridge Grade 10 PHYSICS — Chapter-16 Nuclear and Space Physics, with answers and explanations. These are sample questions; the exam has its own separate question set.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).