Atomic and nuclear physics deal with the structure of atoms, the behavior of subatomic particles, and the processes that occur inside the nucleus of an atom. These topics help students to understand how matter is formed, how energy is released in nuclear reactions, and how atomic science is applied in medicine, industry, power generation, and modern technology.
ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS – OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. The smallest unit of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction is called
A. Molecule
B. Atom
C. Ion
D. Electron
2. The central part of an atom is called the
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Nucleus
D. Electron
3. Which particle has a positive charge?
A. Electron
B. Neutron
C. Proton
D. Photon
4. Which particle has no electrical charge?
A. Electron
B. Proton
C. Neutron
D. Ion
5. The negatively charged particle in an atom is the
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
Atomic and Nuclear physics Quiz
6. The mass number of an atom is the total number of
A. Electrons and protons
B. Protons and neutrons
C. Neutrons and electrons
D. Protons and ions
7. The atomic number of an element is the number of
A. Neutrons
B. Electrons
C. Protons
D. Nucleons
8. Isotopes are atoms that have the same
A. Mass number but different atomic numbers
B. Atomic number but different mass numbers
C. Number of neutrons and electrons
D. Number of protons and electrons
9. An ion is formed when an atom
A. Loses or gains electrons
B. Loses protons
C. Gains neutrons
D. Loses nucleus
10. The process by which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei is called
A. Fusion
B. Fission
C. Radiation
D. Ionization
Atomic and Nuclear physics Quiz
11. Nuclear fusion involves the
A. Splitting of heavy nuclei
B. Joining of light nuclei
C. Loss of electrons
D. Emission of heat only
12. Which of the following occurs in the sun?
A. Nuclear fission
B. Nuclear fusion
C. Ionization
D. Radioactivity only
13. Radioactivity is the process by which unstable nuclei
A. Absorb energy
B. Lose electrons
C. Emit radiation
D. Gain protons
14. Which of the following is NOT a type of radioactive radiation?
A. Alpha rays
B. Beta rays
C. Gamma rays
D. Infrared rays
15. Alpha particles consist of
A. One proton and one electron
B. Two protons and two neutrons
C. Two electrons and two neutrons
D. One proton and two neutrons
16. Beta particles are mainly
A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Electrons
D. Photons
17. Gamma rays are
A. Charged particles
B. Heavy particles
C. Electromagnetic waves
D. Neutrons
18. The instrument used to detect radiation is called
A. Voltmeter
B. Ammeter
C. Geiger counter
D. Barometer
19. Half-life is the time taken for
A. All atoms to decay
B. Half of radioactive atoms to decay
C. One atom to decay
D. Radiation to stop
20. Nuclear energy is obtained from the
A. Electrons
B. Protons
C. Nucleus
D. Orbits
Atomic and Nuclear physics Quiz
21. Which of the following is used in nuclear power plants?
A. Solar energy
B. Wind energy
C. Nuclear fission
D. Tidal energy
22. A nuclear reactor is used to
A. Produce sound
B. Generate electricity
C. Produce light
D. Store energy
23. Which of the following is used in cancer treatment?
A. Radio waves
B. X-rays
C. Radioactive isotopes
D. Sound waves
24. Atomic mass unit (amu) is used to measure
A. Electric charge
B. Atomic mass
C. Temperature
D. Energy
25. The main danger of nuclear radiation is that it can
A. Increase speed
B. Improve strength
C. Damage body cells
D. Produce sound
Atomic and Nuclear physics Quiz Answers And Explanations
1. Answer: B
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that can take part in chemical reactions and still retain the properties of that element.
2. Answer: C
The nucleus is the central part of the atom and contains protons and neutrons.
3. Answer: C
Protons carry positive electric charges and are found inside the nucleus.
4. Answer: C
Neutrons have no electrical charge and help to stabilize the nucleus.
5. Answer: C
Electrons carry negative charges and move around the nucleus in shells.
6. Answer: B
Mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
7. Answer: C
Atomic number represents the number of protons and determines the identity of an element.
8. Answer: B
Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, giving different mass numbers.
9. Answer: A
An atom becomes an ion when it gains or loses electrons.
10. Answer: B
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller parts with energy release.
11. Answer: B
Fusion occurs when light nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus.
12. Answer: B
The sun produces energy through nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms.
13. Answer: C
Radioactivity involves the emission of radiation from unstable nuclei.
14. Answer: D
Infrared rays are not radioactive radiation; they are heat waves.
15. Answer: B
Alpha particles contain two protons and two neutrons, similar to a helium nucleus.
16. Answer: C
Beta particles are fast-moving electrons released from the nucleus.
17. Answer: C
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with no mass or charge.
18. Answer: C
A Geiger counter is used to detect and measure radioactive radiation.
19. Answer: B
Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms to decay.
20. Answer: C
Nuclear energy is released from reactions occurring in the nucleus.
21. Answer: C
Nuclear power plants use fission to produce heat and generate electricity.
22. Answer: B
A nuclear reactor produces heat that is converted into electrical energy.
23. Answer: C
Radioactive isotopes are used in medicine to treat cancer.
24. Answer: B
Atomic mass unit is used to measure the mass of atoms and particles.
25. Answer: C
Nuclear radiation can damage living cells and cause serious health problems.
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