Science-technology Questions - upsc Practice

#1

With reference to Nuclear Fusion, consider the following statements: 1. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma. 2. The hydrogen bomb is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#2

Consider the following statements regarding India’s Stage II nuclear power program: 1. Stage II of India’s nuclear program primarily utilizes Plutonium-239 as the fuel. 2. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is a key component of Stage II and is designed to produce more fissile material than it consumes. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#3

What happens with the gamma decay of a nucleus?

The nucleus gains a neutron and releases a high energy electron. The nucleus remains unchanged, but emits a burst of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. The nucleus loses protons and transforms into a different element, emitting gamma rays.

#4

With reference to the Small modular reactors (SMRs), consider the following statements: 1. They are defined as small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 Megawatt electric (MWe). 2. They offer greater flexibility for site selection than large nuclear plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#5

With reference to the ‘Nuclear Command Authority’, consider the following statements: 1. It comprises a Political Council headed by the President of India and an Executive Council headed by the National Security Advisor. 2. Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#6

With reference to nuclear fusion energy, consider the following statements: 1. The primary energy source of the stars is fusion reactions. 2. The controlled power generation is based on the reaction between deuterium and tritium. 3. Muons can initiate the fusion process at very low temperature. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

#7

Consider the following statements: 1. Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. 2. India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons against a biological weapons attack. 3. India reserves the right to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike against potential adversaries. How many of the above are specifically included in the ‘Nuclear Doctrine of India’?

Only one Only two All three None

#8

Consider the following statements: 1. India is one of the top five producers of uranium in the world. 2. Uranium production in India has witnessed an increase in the last five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#9

With reference to the Nuclear Energy Summit 2024, consider the following statements: 1. World’s first Nuclear Energy Summit recently held in Germany. 2. The summit was jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and United Nations security Council. 3. India was among the participating countries in the summit. Which of the statements given above are incorrect?

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

#10

Consider the following statements: 1. All nuclear facilities in India are under IAEA safeguards. 2. India aims to incorporate thorium utilization in the second phase of its 3-Stage Nuclear Program. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#11

With reference to nuclear weapons, consider the following statements: 1. Nuclear weapons can derive their power from fission reaction only. 2. Naturally occurring uranium is most potent source of nuclear weapons. 3. The first atomic bomb was used during the second world war. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#12

Which one of the following is the context in which the term ‘Siamese twins’ is mentioned?

Two same class of submarines The comparison of missiles of two nations Civilian and Military use of nuclear technology Cloned species of fish

#13

Consider the following statements: 1. Most of the waste produced by the nuclear power industry is high-level waste. 2. In April 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the USSR underwent a catastrophic explosion due to a power surge. 3. Non-ionizing radiations have longer wavelengths as compared to Ionizing radiations. How many of the above mentioned statements are correct regarding radioactive pollution?

Only one Only two All three None

#14

Consider the following statements regarding Thorium reserves in India: 1. India has the largest reserves of Thorium in the world. 2. Thorium is primarily found along the eastern and western coastal regions of India. 3. Thorium can be directly used as fuel in nuclear reactors without any nuclear transmutation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, and 3

#15

With reference to application of nuclear technology, consider the following statements : 1. Radioactive materials are useful in cancer diagnosis and staging. 2. Gamma radiation is used for inducing mutations in plants to develop new crops. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2