1. Which of the following nuclear fuel types can be converted into fissile fuel through transmutation?
a) Fissionable fuel
b) Fissile fuel
c) Fertile fuel
d) Reactor-grade fuel
Answer: c) Fertile fuel
Explanation: Fertile fuel, such as Thorium-232, cannot undergo fission directly but can be converted into a fissile fuel (e.g., Uranium-233) through the process of induced transmutation.
2. Which of the following is NOT a method used for uranium enrichment?
a) Gaseous diffusion
b) Gas centrifuge
c) Magnetic separation
d) Laser separation
Answer: c) Magnetic separation
Explanation: Uranium enrichment is typically done using methods like gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, and laser separation. Magnetic separation is not used for enriching uranium.
3. What is the main advantage of breeder reactors in nuclear energy production?
a) They do not require any coolant
b) They generate more nuclear fuel than they consume
c) They require no moderators
d) They produce zero radioactive waste
Answer: b) They generate more nuclear fuel than they consume
Explanation: Breeder reactors are designed to produce more fissile fuel (such as Plutonium-239) than they consume, making them highly efficient and reducing the need for new fuel resources.
4. Which nuclear reactor type does India plan to use extensively in the second stage of its three-stage nuclear energy development program?
a) Boiling Water Reactors (BWR)
b) Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR)
c) Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR)
d) Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWR)
Answer: b) Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR)
Explanation: In the second stage of India’s nuclear program, Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) will be used extensively. These reactors use Plutonium-239 produced in the first stage and do not require a moderator.
5. What percentage of U-235 is typically required for energy production in nuclear reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?
a) 0.7%
b) 3-7%
c) 16-18%
d) 80% or higher
Answer: b) 3-7%
Explanation: The enrichment of Uranium-235 to 3-7% is typically required for energy production in most nuclear reactors. Higher enrichment levels, such as 80% or more, are used in nuclear weapons.
6. Which of the following nuclear plants in India uses the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology?
a) Tarapur
b) Rawatbhata
c) Kudankulam
d) Kalpakkam
Answer: b) Rawatbhata
Explanation: The Rawatbhata nuclear power plant in Rajasthan uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, similar to several other nuclear plants in India.
7. Which of the following is a primary reason for India’s focus on thorium as a future nuclear fuel?
a) Thorium produces no radioactive waste
b) India has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves
c) Thorium can undergo direct fission without enrichment
d) Thorium is cheaper to extract than uranium
Answer: b) India has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves
Explanation: India has vast reserves of thorium, but limited uranium. Thorium-based reactors will be utilised in the third stage of India’s nuclear energy program, making thorium a key resource for future nuclear energy production.
8. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)?
a) China
b) United States
c) India
d) Russia
Answer: c) India
Explanation: India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), despite its efforts to join. The NSG regulates the export of nuclear materials and technologies. China has blocked India’s entry into the group.
9. What is the key purpose of India’s “No First Use” nuclear policy?
a) To avoid using nuclear weapons altogether
b) To use nuclear weapons only in retaliation to a nuclear attack
c) To use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states
d) To prohibit the development of nuclear weapons
Answer: b) To use nuclear weapons only in retaliation to a nuclear attack
Explanation: India’s “No First Use” policy states that nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation to a nuclear attack. This policy demonstrates India’s stance on restraint in nuclear weapon use.
10. What is the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in nuclear proliferation control?
a) To encourage nuclear weapons development
b) To promote nuclear disarmament in all countries
c) To monitor the spread of nuclear technology for peaceful uses and prevent proliferation
d) To develop new nuclear weapons
Answer: c) To monitor the spread of nuclear technology for peaceful uses and prevent proliferation
Explanation: The IAEA focuses on ensuring that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes, such as energy production, and works to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.