Level 1 — Basic Recall (1–10)

1. What is radioactivity?

2. Name three types of radioactive radiation.

3. Which radiation has the highest penetrating power?

4. Which radiation carries a positive charge?

5. What is half-life?

6. Define mass number.

7. Define atomic number.

8. What is a radioactive isotope?

9. What is nuclear fission?

10. What is nuclear fusion?

Level 2 — Understanding (11–20)

11. Explain why some nuclei are unstable.

12. Describe the composition of an alpha particle.

13. Why can beta particles penetrate further than alpha particles?

14. Describe how gamma radiation differs from alpha and beta radiation.

15. Explain why radioactive decay is considered a random process.

16. Why does increasing neutron-to-proton ratio affect stability?

17. Explain how a Geiger–Müller counter works (conceptually).

18. Why is lead used for shielding gamma radiation?

19. Describe how half-life affects the activity of a source.

20. Explain the difference between natural and artificial radioactivity.

Level 3 — Application (21–30)

21. Write a nuclear equation for alpha decay of Uranium-238.

22. Write a nuclear equation for beta decay of Carbon-14.

23. Calculate remaining mass after one half-life.

24. Calculate remaining mass after three half-lives.

25. Predict the type of radiation likely emitted by a neutron-rich nucleus.

26. Identify decay products from given nuclear equations.

27. Predict how shielding requirements differ for α, β, and γ radiation.

28. Describe one medical use of a radioactive isotope.

29. Explain how radioactive tracers are used in agriculture or industry.

30. Calculate activity (qualitative formula A = λN if needed).

Level 4 — Analysis (31–40)

31. Analyse how decay curves illustrate constant half-life.

32. Compare fission and fusion based on energy and products.

33. Explain chain reactions and their control in nuclear reactors.

34. Discuss the advantages and risks of nuclear power.

35. Analyse how mass defect leads to nuclear binding energy (qualitative).

36. Examine why large nuclei tend to undergo alpha decay.

37. Explain how positron emission affects atomic number and mass number.

38. Compare different radiation detectors (GM tube, scintillation counter).

39. Analyse the effect of radioactive waste on environment and propose storage solutions.

40. Evaluate use of isotopes in radiopharmaceuticals and the need for short half-lives.

Level 5 — Exam/Challenge (41–50)

41. Solve a multi-step decay chain and identify the final stable nuclide.

42. Derive exponential decay law N = N₀e⁻λt from half-life concept (qualitative steps).

43. Calculate half-life from decay data (initial and final activity or mass).

44. Evaluate shielding strategies for a laboratory using mixed radiation sources.

45. Analyse binding energy trends across the periodic table and relate to fusion/fission energetics.

46. Discuss nuclear reactor components (moderator, control rods, coolant) and their roles.

47. Explain how neutron capture leads to artificial radioisotope formation.

48. Compare environmental impact of nuclear accidents vs fossil-fuel emissions.

49. Propose safe handling and transportation protocols for radioisotopes used in medicine.

50. Critically evaluate the feasibility of fusion reactors as a future energy source.