Nuclear Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
5 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on nuclear technology are on this page, from 2006 to 2024. UPSC asks why some Indian reactors are under IAEA safeguards, where ITER is located, what radioisotope thermoelectric generators do and which body ran the Large Hadron Collider. The explanations give the location or institution in each case.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–5 of 5 questions
Browse by year
UPSC 2024Science and Technology · Nuclear Technology
Q1. With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: 1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecraft. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons developments. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
RTGs are lightweight and compact devices that generate electricity from the heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of isotopes, typically Plutonium-238. They are commonly used in space missions where solar power is insufficient, such as deep-space probes and rovers.
Statement 1 is incorrect: RTGs generate heat through natural radioactive decay, not by controlled nuclear fission, which involves splitting atomic nuclei to release energy. Therefore, they cannot be classified as miniature fission reactors.
Statement 2 is correct: Due to their lightweight, compact design, RTGs have been extensively used in space missions such as Voyager, Curiosity Rover, and Perseverance Rover. They offer a durable and reliable power source, especially for spacecraft operating in deep space, where solar panels are ineffective.
Statement 3 is correct: Plutonium-238 is widely used in RTGs due to its high heat output during decay and low levels of unwanted radiation. While Pu-238 is not naturally occurring, it is mainly produced as a by-product of nuclear weapons development. For example, during the Cold War, it was generated as a by-product of reactions involved in nuclear weapons production.
UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Nuclear Technology
Q2. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?
Explanation
IAEA safeguards apply to nuclear reactors using imported uranium as part of India’s international agreements. These safeguards ensure that the imported fuel is strictly used for civilian purposes and not diverted for military use. However, not all nuclear reactors in India are placed under IAEA safeguards. Reactors using domestic uranium are not subject to these safeguards allowing flexibility for strategic programs. By keeping reactors using domestic uranium outside IAEA safeguards, India maintains the flexibility to support its strategic programs without external oversight. As of recent data, out of India’s 22 operational reactors, 14 are under IAEA safeguards because they utilize imported fuel.
Additional insight:
Reactors Using Imported Uranium - Under IAEA Safeguards India imports uranium through civil nuclear cooperation agreements with countries like the U.S., Russia, and France. Reactors using imported uranium must be placed under IAEA safeguards to ensure peaceful usage. Example: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (uses Russian-supplied fuel). Reactors Using Domestic Uranium - Not Under IAEA Safeguards India has natural uranium reserves, but they are insufficient to meet demand. Reactors using domestic uranium remain under sovereign control and are not necessarily under IAEA safeguards. Example: Tarapur (TAPS-1 & 2) and some PHWRs initially used domestic uranium and were not under safeguards.
UPSC 2009Science and Technology · Nuclear Technology
Q3. In the year 2008, which one of the following conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light?
Explanation
Sub-atomic particles are particles that are smaller than an atom. They are the basic building blocks of atoms. They are primarily categorized into two groups: elementary particles which are indivisible, and composite particles which are combinations of elementary particles.
Option (b) is correct: In the year 2008, the organization that conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light was the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). CERN operates the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where particles are accelerated to extremely high speeds to explore fundamental physics. The experiment helps in understanding the Standard Model of Particle Physics exploring dark matter and studying the properties of fundamental forces.
UPSC 2008Science and Technology · Nuclear Technology
Q4. In which one of the following locations is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project to be built?
Explanation
ITER, which stands for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, is a massive international collaboration aimed at harnessing the power of nuclear fusion. This groundbreaking project is being constructed in Cadarache, Southern France. ITER aims to replicate nuclear fusion, where light atomic nuclei combine to release vast energy, offering a limitless, clean power source. Using a tokamak design, it employs powerful magnetic fields to heat plasma to over 150 million degrees Celsius. The project is a global collaboration involving China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US. India has provided in-wall shielding components and the cryo lines and cryo distribution system, crucial for the reactor’s operation.
UPSC 2006Science and Technology · Nuclear Technology
Q5. In which one of the following areas did the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research make significant progress in the year 2005?
Explanation
In 2005, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) made significant progress in reprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel used in the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). Reprocessing the spent fuel from the FBTR posed significant challenges due to its intense radioactivity and the distinct chemical characteristics of the mixed carbide fuel. The accomplishment of successful reprocessing showcased India’s expertise in managing and recycling this advanced type of nuclear fuel. It also provided critical knowledge for the advancement of next-generation fast breeder reactors, including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2024
(b) 2 and 3 only
2
2020
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
3
2009
(b) European Organization for Nuclear Research
4
2008
(c) Southern France
5
2006
(a) Reprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor.
What UPSC has tested in Nuclear Technology
Some Indian reactors are under IAEA safeguards because they use imported uranium.
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is located in southern France.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) conducted the 2008 Large Hadron Collider experiment.
The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research works in the area of reprocessing the uranium fuel and fast breeder technology.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Nuclear Technology?
This page covers 5 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Nuclear Technology (Science and Technology), asked from 2006 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Where is ITER located?
In southern France, at Cadarache. ITER is an international project to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a large-scale source of carbon-free energy, and India is one of its member countries.
Why are some Indian nuclear reactors under IAEA safeguards?
Because they run on imported uranium, which comes with the condition of international inspection under India’s separation plan of 2006. Reactors using domestic uranium are outside these safeguards.
What is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator?
A device that converts the heat from the radioactive decay of a material such as plutonium-238 into electricity. It has no moving parts and powers spacecraft that travel too far from the Sun for solar panels.
