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Question 1:

What is the primary source of energy in a nuclear power plant?

A) Natural gas
B) Uranium
C) Wind
D) Solar

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Uranium. The primary source of energy in a nuclear power plant is uranium, specifically uranium-235. Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission, a process in which the nucleus of a uranium atom is split, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator.

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Question 2:

What happens during a nuclear fission reaction?

A) Nuclei combine to form heavier elements
B) Energy is released by splitting atomic nuclei
C) Energy is absorbed by atomic nuclei
D) Atomic nuclei decay spontaneously

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Energy is released by splitting atomic nuclei. During a nuclear fission reaction, the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235, is bombarded with a neutron. The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and the kinetic energy of the emitted neutrons.

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Question 3:

What is the function of the control rods in a nuclear reactor?

A) To generate steam
B) To cool the reactor core
C) To initiate the nuclear fission reaction
D) To absorb excess neutrons and control the reaction rate

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) To absorb excess neutrons and control the reaction rate. Control rods are used in a nuclear reactor to control the rate of the nuclear fission reaction. These rods, usually made of materials such as boron or cadmium, absorb excess neutrons, which helps regulate the number of neutrons available for sustaining the chain reaction. By adjusting the position of the control rods, the reactor's power output can be controlled.

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Question 4:

What is the purpose of the coolant in a nuclear power plant?

A) To initiate the nuclear fission reaction
B) To absorb excess neutrons
C) To transfer heat and cool the reactor core
D) To convert thermal energy into electrical energy

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) To transfer heat and cool the reactor core. The coolant in a nuclear power plant, typically water or a specialized liquid such as heavy water or liquid sodium, plays a crucial role in transferring heat away from the reactor core. The coolant absorbs heat generated during the nuclear fission process and carries it to a heat exchanger, where it is used to produce steam or to heat another medium for electricity generation.

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Question 5:

What is the main advantage of nuclear power plants compared to fossil fuel power plants?

A) Lower construction costs
B) Lower greenhouse gas emissions
C) Higher fuel availability
D) Higher energy efficiency

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Lower greenhouse gas emissions. One of the main advantages of nuclear power plants compared to fossil fuel power plants is their lower greenhouse gas emissions. While fossil fuel power plants release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, nuclear power plants generate electricity without emitting CO2 or air pollutants directly. This makes nuclear power a potential low-carbonand clean energy option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.