True/False
1. France gets nearly 75% of its energy from nuclear plants.
2. Isotopes of an element have identical nuclear properties.
3. It is the protons that ultimately determine an atom's chemical species.
4. The nuclear force is strong, but its range is short.
5. Protons provide the ‘glue' that holds nuclei together.
6. β decay changes the type of nucleus.
7. The longer the half-life of a radioactive nucleus, the more vigorous is its radioactivity.
8. It is fission that drives our nuclear power plants.
9. A breeder reactors works best with no moderator.
10. U3O8 is often called the "greencake".
11. Activity in becquerels is directly proportional to half-life.
12. The most achievable reaction for controlled fusion is D-T fusion.
13. Tokamak is the most promising "Inertial confinement" for fusion.
14. D-D fusion does offer the prospect of limitless energy.
15. The curve of binding energy peaks at U235.
Short answer questions
1. In what sense does a breeder reactor produce more fuel than is put into it? Do breeders violate the principle of energy conservation?
2. Describe and contrast the two approaches to controlled fusion.
3. How do you quantify nuclear radiation? Briefly explain the biological impact of radiation.
4. Briefly describe the functioning of a U235 - powered power plant with its components.
5. Compare the environmental impacts of fusion versus fission.