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All questions of Atomic & Nuclear Physics for UPSC CSE Exam

The process of radioactive decay follows a:
  • a)
    Linear pattern
  • b)
    Exponential pattern
  • c)
    Periodic pattern
  • d)
    Random pattern
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of radioactive decay follows an exponential pattern. The rate of decay is proportional to the number of radioactive atoms present at any given time.

The phenomenon of the emission of electrons from the surface of a metal when exposed to light is known as:
  • a)
    Photoelectric effect
  • b)
    Compton effect
  • c)
    Bohr effect
  • d)
    Cherenkov effect
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The phenomenon of the emission of electrons from the surface of a metal when exposed to light is known as the photoelectric effect. It was explained by Albert Einstein and is the basis for the understanding of quantum mechanics.

The process of spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus is called:
  • a)
    Fission
  • b)
    Fusion
  • c)
    Radioactivity
  • d)
    Decay
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus is called radioactivity. Fission and fusion refer to processes involving the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei, respectively. Decay is a general term for the disintegration of particles.

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of:
  • a)
    Protons
  • b)
    Electrons
  • c)
    Neutrons
  • d)
    Nucleons
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. Electrons and neutrons do not determine the atomic number.

Which of the following particles has the highest penetrating power?
  • a)
    Alpha particles
  • b)
    Beta particles
  • c)
    Gamma rays
  • d)
    Neutrons
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Among the given options, gamma rays have the highest penetrating power. They require several centimeters of lead or several meters of concrete to be effectively stopped.

The unit used to measure radioactivity is:
  • a)
    Coulomb
  • b)
    Sievert
  • c)
    Curie
  • d)
    Becquerel
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The unit used to measure radioactivity is the Curie. The Becquerel is the SI unit for radioactivity, but the Curie is still commonly used.

The process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus is called:
  • a)
    Fission
  • b)
    Fusion
  • c)
    Radioactivity
  • d)
    Decay
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus is called fusion. Fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei.

Which of the following particles has the least penetrating power?
  • a)
    Alpha particles
  • b)
    Beta particles
  • c)
    Gamma rays
  • d)
    Neutrons
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Among the given options, alpha particles have the least penetrating power. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.

The principle of the conservation of mass-energy is described by:
  • a)
    Ohm's law
  • b)
    Coulomb's law
  • c)
    Newton's law of gravitation
  • d)
    Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc²)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The principle of the conservation of mass-energy is described by Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc²), which states that energy and mass are interchangeable.

The mass defect in a nuclear reaction is converted into:
  • a)
    Kinetic energy
  • b)
    Potential energy
  • c)
    Thermal energy
  • d)
    Light energy
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The mass defect in a nuclear reaction is converted into kinetic energy according to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc²).

The process of a radioactive isotope decaying into a stable isotope is known as:
  • a)
    Radioactive decay
  • b)
    Nuclear fusion
  • c)
    Nuclear fission
  • d)
    Transmutation
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of a radioactive isotope decaying into a stable isotope is known as radioactive decay. Nuclear fusion refers to the combination of atomic nuclei, nuclear fission is the splitting of atomic nuclei, and transmutation refers to the conversion of one element into another.

The process by which a nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei is called:
  • a)
    Fission
  • b)
    Fusion
  • c)
    Radioactivity
  • d)
    Decay
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The process by which a nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei is called fission. Fusion refers to the process of combining nuclei, not splitting them apart.

Chapter doubts & questions for Atomic & Nuclear Physics - Lucent for GK 2025 is part of UPSC CSE exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the UPSC CSE exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for UPSC CSE 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

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