Nuclear Reactor Safety

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

To absorb neutrons and control the rate of fission.

Answer

To generate electricity directly.

Answer

To cool the reactor core.

Answer

To provide a source of fresh fuel.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a common type of nuclear reactor coolant?

Accepted Answer

Jellybeans

Answer

Water

Answer

Liquid metal

Answer

Gas

Question 3

What is the main function of the containment building surrounding a nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the release of radioactive materials into the environment.

Answer

To attract tourists with its unique architecture.

Answer

To store spent nuclear fuel safely.

Answer

To provide a comfortable working environment for staff.

Question 4

Neutron moderators are used in nuclear reactors to:

Accepted Answer

Slow down fast neutrons to increase the probability of fission.

Answer

Speed up neutrons to make them more energetic.

Answer

Capture all neutrons to stop the reaction.

Answer

Turn neutrons into protons.

Question 5

What is a 'meltdown' in the context of a nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

A severe overheating event where the reactor core can be damaged or destroyed.

Answer

A sudden, uncontrolled explosion of the reactor.

Answer

The complete disappearance of the nuclear fuel.

Answer

When the reactor spontaneously decides to take a vacation.

Question 6

Emergency core cooling systems (ECCS) are designed to:

Accepted Answer

Inject cooling water into the reactor core during a loss-of-coolant accident.

Answer

Generate extra electricity during peak demand.

Answer

Provide a backup source of control rods.

Answer

Alert nearby towns of potential danger with a siren.

Question 7

The 'defense-in-depth' philosophy in nuclear safety refers to:

Accepted Answer

Multiple independent layers of safety systems and procedures to prevent accidents and mitigate their consequences.

Answer

Building the reactor extra-deep underground for protection.

Answer

Having only one single, very strong safety system.

Answer

A strategy of ignoring potential problems until they become major.

Question 8

What is the purpose of a 'scram' in a nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

A rapid shutdown of the reactor by inserting control rods quickly.

Answer

To increase the power output for a short period.

Answer

To test the effectiveness of the cooling system.

Answer

To initiate a controlled maintenance procedure.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key consideration for the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring containment of radioactivity and preventing any release into the environment for thousands of years.

Answer

Using it as a decorative element in nuclear power plant lobbies.

Answer

Recycling it immediately into new fuel rods, no matter the cost.

Answer

Burying it shallowly to make it easily accessible for future generations.

Question 10

What role does a 'reactor vessel' play in nuclear reactor safety?

Accepted Answer

It is a robust steel container that houses the reactor core and withstands high pressures and temperatures.

Answer

It is a decorative element that makes the reactor look impressive.

Answer

It is the primary device for generating steam.

Answer

It is where the nuclear waste gets its daily pep talk.