Atomic Nuclear and Particle Physics Practice Questions
IB (International Baccalaureate) · IB Physics HL · 142 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
142
Total
37
Easy
77
Medium
28
Hard
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Sample Questions from Atomic Nuclear and Particle Physics
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Q1
Easy
Which of the following particles is considered a baryon?
A.
Proton
B.
Electron
C.
Neutrino
D.
Photon
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
A baryon is a type of particle made up of three quarks. The proton, being composed of three quarks (two up quarks and one down quark), is a baryon, while the electron, neutrino, and photon are not baryons.
Q2
Easy
If a neutron decays into a proton, what particle is emitted?
A.
Alpha particle
B.
Beta particle
C.
Gamma photon
D.
Electron
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
During beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, and a beta particle (an electron) is emitted. Thus, the correct answer is the beta particle.
Q3
Easy
What is the primary cause of the stability of a nucleus?
A.
Electromagnetic force
B.
Weak nuclear force
C.
Strong nuclear force
D.
Gravitational force
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The stability of a nucleus is primarily due to the strong nuclear force, which acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons) to hold them together. The electromagnetic force tends to push protons apart due to their positive charges, while the weak nuclear force and gravitational force do not significantly contribute to nuclear stability.
Q4
Medium
In a nuclear reaction, the binding energy of a nucleus is defined as the energy required to:
A.
separate the nucleus into its constituent nucleons
B.
convert a neutron into a proton
C.
release a proton from the nucleus
D.
combine two separate nuclei together
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The binding energy refers to the energy needed to overcome the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleons together, hence separating them requires energy.
Q5
Medium
If a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 10 years, what fraction of the original sample remains after 30 years?
A.
1/2
B.
1/4
C.
1/8
D.
1/16
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
After 30 years, which is three half-lives, the remaining fraction is (1/2)^3 = 1/8 of the original sample.
Q6
Medium
An alpha particle has a charge of +2e. What is the total charge of 4 alpha particles?
A.
+4e
B.
+8e
C.
+2e
D.
0e
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Since each alpha particle has a charge of +2e, four alpha particles would have a total charge of 4 * (+2e) = +8e.
Q7
Medium
What is the primary force that holds protons and neutrons together in an atomic nucleus?
A.
Electromagnetic force
B.
Gravitational force
C.
Strong nuclear force
D.
Weak nuclear force
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together despite the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons.
Q8
Hard
A certain isotope has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 80 grams of this isotope, how much will remain after 15 years?
A.
10 grams
B.
20 grams
C.
30 grams
D.
40 grams
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
To find the remaining quantity after a certain time, we can use the formula N = N0 (1/2)^(t/T), where N0 is the initial amount, t is the time elapsed, and T is the half-life. Here, N0 = 80 g, t = 15 years, and T = 5 years. First, calculate the number of half-lives: 15 years / 5 years = 3 half-lives. Then, N = 80 * (1/2)^3 = 80 * 1/8 = 10 grams, which is option A.
Q9
Hard
A particle of mass m is moving with a velocity v. If the particle absorbs an energy E and converts it entirely to rest mass, what will be the new rest mass of the particle? (Assume c is the speed of light)
A.
m + E/c²
B.
m - E/c²
C.
m + 2E/c²
D.
m + E
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The new rest mass is given by the equation m' = m + E/c², where E is the energy absorbed. This reflects the energy-mass equivalence principle as described by Einstein's theory.
Q10
Hard
In a nuclear reaction, a nucleus of uranium-235 captures a neutron and undergoes fission producing barium-144, krypton-89, and three neutrons. If the total binding energy of the products is higher than that of the reactants, what can be said about the energy change of the reaction?
A.
The reaction is endothermic.
B.
The reaction is exothermic.
C.
The energy change is zero.
D.
The energy change cannot be determined.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Since the total binding energy of the products is higher, energy is released in the reaction, making it exothermic. This is characteristic of fission reactions where a heavier nucleus splits into lighter nuclei.
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Atomic Nuclear and Particle Physics — IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL Practice Questions Online
This page contains 142 practice MCQs for the chapter Atomic Nuclear and Particle Physics in IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL. The questions are organized by difficulty — 37 easy, 77 medium, 28 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.