Nuclear Physics Practice
10 problems · instant feedback · full explanations
N = N₀(1/2)^(t/T½). Nuclei trade mass for binding energy via E = mc² — the source of both reactor power and starlight.
Q1.
Rank alpha, beta, gamma radiation by penetrating power (least to most):
Multiple choice · Easy
Q2.
A sample decays to 1/8 of its original amount. If the half-life is 5730 years, how old is it?
Numerical answer (years) · Medium
Q3.
What does a half-life of 10 years mean?
Multiple choice · Easy
Q4.
What is the difference between fission and fusion?
Multiple choice · Medium
Q5.
How much energy is contained in 1 kg of mass? (c = 3e8 m/s. Answer in J.)
Numerical answer (J) · Medium
Q6.
100 g of a radioisotope with 5-year half-life: how much remains after 10 years? (g)
Numerical answer (g) · Hard
Q7.
Iron-56 has the highest binding energy per nucleon of all nuclei.
True / False · Easy
Q8.
After enough half-lives, a radioactive sample becomes exactly non-radioactive.
True / False · Medium
Q9.
Control rods in a nuclear reactor:
Multiple choice · Hard
Q10.
Which dating method is best for a 10,000-year-old wooden artifact?
Multiple choice · Hard