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GCE Physics Past Questions and Answers

Published on Sep 4, 2025 • Education

Introduction

Good day viewers, and welcome to today’s Physics class. In this lesson, we’ll be looking at GCE Physics past questions focused on nuclear physics, fusion, fission, and radioactivity.

These are highly examinable areas in GCE Physics, and understanding them deeply will help you secure higher marks. Let’s dive into some practice questions.

Question 1 – Nuclear Fusion vs. Fission

Which of the following is an advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?

A. Fusion produces abundant long-lived radioactive waste
B. Fusion produces less radioactive waste and it is short-lived
C. Fusion fuel is very scarce
D. Fusion releases less energy than fission

Answer: B. Fusion produces less radioactive waste and it is short-lived

Question 2 – Nuclear Fuel

Which of the following is a common fuel used for nuclear fusion?

A. Uranium-235
B. Plutonium-239
C. Deuterium
D. Thorium

Answer: C. Deuterium

Question 3 – Detection of Radioactivity

Which instrument is used for detecting radioactive emissions?

A. Thermometer
B. Geiger-Müller counter
C. Barometer
D. Hygrometer

Answer: B. Geiger-Müller counter

Question 4 – Half-Life

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is 10 minutes. If its initial count rate is 800 counts per minute, what will it be after 30 minutes?

A. 100
B. 200
C. 400
D. 800

Answer: A. 100

Question 5 – Nuclear Equation

Which of the following represents a nuclear fission process?

Answer: B. Uranium-235 fission reaction

Question 6 – Radiation Types

Which of the following is the most penetrating type of radiation?

A. Alpha
B. Beta
C. Gamma
D. X-rays

Answer: C. Gamma

Question 7 – Application of Radioactivity

Radioactive isotopes are used in medicine for:

A. Food preservation
B. Measuring atmospheric pressure
C. Treating cancer
D. Distilling water

Answer: C. Treating cancer

Question 8 – Mass-Energy Relationship

The equation E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2 was proposed by:

A. Isaac Newton
B. Albert Einstein
C. Ernest Rutherford
D. Niels Bohr

Answer: B. Albert Einstein

Question 9 – Safety in Nuclear Plants

Which of the following materials is commonly used to control the rate of reaction in a nuclear reactor?

A. Graphite
B. Lead
C. Boron rods
D. Iron

Answer: C. Boron rods

Question 10 – Radiation and Health

Which of the following is not an effect of excessive exposure to radiation?

A. Cancer
B. Genetic mutation
C. Skin burns
D. Increased immunity

Answer: D. Increased immunity

Watch the full tutorial here: FULL TUTORIAL

Conclusion

Nuclear physics and radioactivity remain core topics in GCE Physics. To excel, you must:

• Understand differences between fusion and fission
• Learn methods of radioactivity detection
• Master calculations on half-life and decay
• Revise applications of radioactive isotopes in medicine, industry, and agriculture
• Consistent practice of past questions will sharpen your accuracy and give you confidence in your GCE Physics exam.

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5. IGCSE Physics Past Questions.

Keywords

• GCE Physics past questions and answers
• GCE Physics nuclear physics questions
• Radioactivity solved exam questions
• Nuclear fusion and fission GCE questions
• Half-life exam questions with solutions
• GCE Physics multiple choice practice