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NUCLEAR FISSION - P. 624
Physical Science Classwork 04/19/17
PS.08, 09
1) A transmutation reaction must always involve _____.
A) a change in the number of protons in a nucleus of an atom
B) a decrease in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
C) a change in the number of electrons in the atom
D) an increase in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
2) Another name for the splitting of heavier atoms into lighter atoms is ______________ .
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3) What happens to an atomic nucleus in nuclear fission?
A) It absorbs an electron, proton, or alpha particle.
B) It splits into two pieces.
C) It splits into many small pieces.
D) It absorbs another nucleus.
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4) In nuclear fission _____.
A) certain atoms break into fragments when struck by neutrons
B) energy is released as heat
C) a chain reaction occurs
D) all of the above
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What is the name for an ongoing series of reactions such as those shown above?
6) Neutrons released in a fission reaction can strike other nuclei and cause ____.
A) radioactive decay
B) a chain reaction
C) an electron avalanche
D) fusion reactions
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7) What of the following is NOT true of a chain reaction?
A) Reactants start with two parts and then split.
B) Products may also be radioactive.
C) Products that start a new reaction are released.
D) Reactants that are radioactive are used.
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8) The Manhattan Project produced which one of the following technological milestones?
A) the Super Collider particle accelerator
B) the Statue of Liberty
C) the InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
D) the atomic bomb
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9) Controlled nuclear chain reactions _____.
A) are always fusion reactions
C) take place in nuclear reactors
B) never produce radioactive by-products
D) are characteristic of atomic bombs
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10) What is the most common use of the steam generated by a nuclear reactor?
A) It spins large turbines to produce electricity.
B) It is used to melt tar for street repairs.
C) To make hot water for laundry.
D) It is used by beverage companies to make hot drinks.
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11) In the kind of nuclear fission used in a nuclear power plant _____.
A) a chain reaction occurs
B) energy is released as heat
C) certain atoms break into fragments when struck by neutrons
D) all of the above
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12) One of the most serious problems surrounding the use of nuclear power plants is ____.
A) the high cost of coolant needed
B) initiating a chain reaction in the fuel
C) a lack of uranium
D) finding a way to dispose of spent fuel rods
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13) Explain the political significance of NIMBY. _____________________________________________________
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FUSION - P. 625
14) Another name for the uniting of lighter atoms into heavier atoms is _____________ .
15) What two nuclei are fused in the main fusion reaction of the sun?
A) helium and helium
B) hydrogen and helium
16) Nuclear fusion _____.
A) produces hydrogen nuclei
C) takes place in the sun
14)
C) hydrogen and hydrogen
B) occurs when large nuclei fuse together
D) all of the above
17) Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be produced during a nuclear fusion reaction in
the sun?
A) uranium-235
B) hydrogen-1
C) helium-4
D) uranium-238
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18) Explain how the sun produces its energy. _______________________________________________________
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19) Power from fusion energy _________ .
A) is commercially available today
B) is expected to be cleaner than any existing power source
C) requires only a few simple advances in technology to become widely available
D) is not theoretically possible
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